Old Fort Niagara hosts Patriots Day Weekend

Old Fort Niagara will host its first re-enactment of the 2014 season April 12-13 as the historic site presents Patriots Day Weekend, a two-day event that commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution and honors all veterans. Throughout the day, re-enactors portraying British redcoats and American militia will present musket-firing demonstrations, 18th century drill and storytelling programs about soldier life during the American Revolution.

At 11 a.m., young people will have the opportunity to enlist in either the British or American armies to fight a mock battle and learn about battlefield tactics during the 18th century.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, French Honorary Consul for Western New York Pascal Soares will posthumously award Vincent Consiglio of Buffalo with the Legion of Honor for meritorious service contributing to the liberation of France during World War II. Consiglio, who passed away in July, was a veteran of the 291st Combat Engineers and took part in the Omaha Beach landing on D-Day. He received the Bronze Star with Valor during the Battle of the Bulge.

Veterans (past service or active duty) will be admitted free.

Patriots Day Schedule (both days)

• 10 a.m.: Assembly - musket drill and firings
• 11 a.m.: Recruiting demonstration. Join the redcoats or the militia and fight a mock battle.
• Noon: Storytelling - Lexington and Concord
• 1 p.m.: "Meet the Soldier"
• 2 p.m.: Drill and musket firing followed by veterans honor ceremony
• 3 p.m.: Parade and maneuvers