The Statue of Minerva waves to her sister the Statue of Liberty from the highest natural point in Brooklyn in Sunset Park's Greenwood Cemetery. An important engagement in the Battle of Brooklyn took place here. Troops from Delaware fought a holding action and suffered heavy casualties. They were buried where they fell. The statue commemorates the event. About 50 yards from this spot on what is appropriately named Battle Hill is the grave of celebrated American composer Leonard Bernstein. There is also a monument dedicated to the Civil War near this spot.
As some of you may know the Battle of Brooklyn otherwise known in other circles as the Battle of Long Island (some people forget Brooklyn is part of Long Island), or at least some important parts of it took place nearby in what is now Greenwood Cemetery. Although the Brits won that engagement the holding actions of our patriots in those early days of the revolution allowed our General George Washington to escape and survive to continue on the fight. Had he been captured we would instead be celebrating the holidays our British masters would have imposed on us.
You can catch all the details at the Green-wood Cemetery website: they are reproduced below in case their site goes down.
Battle of Brooklyn Commemoration Ceremonies
In memory of the brave patriots who fought
for our country’s independence in this first battle after the signing
of the Declaration of Independence. Part of Brooklyn Battle Week
. FREE EVENTS:
12:30 PM - Revolutionary War Re-Enactors will relive
a portion of the Battle of Brooklyn in Green-Wood’s Meadow and the
surrounding area near Green- Wood’s main entrance. 1:30 PM - The Green-Wood Historic Fund and United
States Merchant Marine Academy sponsor the Annual Battle of Brooklyn
Parade. Meet at the main gate for a parade to Battle Hill led by George
M. Cohan’s own, The Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine
Academy. 2:00 PM - Battle of Brooklyn Commemorative Ceremony
honoring the Patriots who fought the first battle of our new nation on
this sacred ground 234 years ago.
This is a FREE event. Reservations are not necessary.
Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Location: The Green-Wood Cemetery
