To the Editor:
In these days of threats to our democracy, it’s good to remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our original rights and freedoms: the soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Of all the veterans we honor for having defended our democratic ideals, it is perhaps our memory of Revolutionary War soldiers that has most been dimmed by the passage of time. Many lie in old farm burial plots overtaken by thickets and underbrush, others in graves with toppled markers.

In the town of Guilderland alone, over 50 graves of Revolutionary War soldiers have been documented. Our organization, Historic Altamont Inc., aims to call attention to the honor these soldiers are due.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, we will offer a demonstration by Christopher White on the best techniques for preserving grave markers.

Christopher White will set aright the headstone of Revolutionary War soldier Michael Barckley and that of his wife, Gertrude, former residents of Old Knowersville, and will show the proper means of preserving gravestone inscriptions.

At a time when the war in Ukraine brings the tragic news of unmarked mass graves of people resisting tyranny, it is right to reflect on the honor we owe our own Revolutionary War veterans.

Mr. White is a genealogist, historian, and gravestone conservator based in Albany, known to many genealogists by his website name albanygravedigger.com. His demonstration is free and open to the public. The rain date is Oct. 8, at 1 p.m.

Tom Capuano

President

Historic Altamont Inc.