Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom and those who have died fighting for that right. While fireworks and BBQs are a fun way to celebrate, the City of Peekskill Fire Department to honor war veterans and local heroes.
The Continental Village Fire Department will participate in the parade and is planning a stop at the grave of Revolutionary War hero Captain Issac Conklin in the church graveyard on South and Washington Streets, according to Robert Pidgeon, a Continental Village firefighter. Andrew and Rob Pepe, two members of that fire department who are active duty marines, will be laying a wreath on Conklin’s grave.
This is the first year the Continental Village Fire Deparment is doing this. "The first of many, I hope." said Pidgeon. "I thought it was appropriate that we being the Continental Village do this for a hero from the Continental Army."
Conklin died on Sept. 12, 1840, according to findagrave.com
Here is an excerpt of Conklin’s obituarty, as published in the Westchester and Putnam Republican on Tues., Sept. 15, 1840, according to findagrave.com:
Died on Saturday last the 12 th inst, in the 90th year of his age Capt Isaac Conklin an old and highly respected inhabitant of this village. He has for many years received a pension from Government as an honorable reward for his meritorious services in assisting to establish the liberties of his country which as a citizen he has uniformily exerted his best endevors to strengthn and perpetuate.he has been permitted to live to a good old age, and to have enjoyed the pleasing consolation of having realized the blessings which a free government imparts to it's citizens, to see it's towering enterprise unfolding its usefulness and it's character and advantages aknowledged by the civilized world.
Read more about Capt. Conklin here.
