CONSTITUTION ISLAND CELEBRATES
THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE USA

A clear and cooler day prevailed on the Hudson River this past Saturday, June 28, as the Constitution Island Association began a year-long celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our Nations Birthday. In attendance was over 125 people for the Bisesquicentennial celebration, simply called REV250. Constitution Island was a most appropriate setting as it was the place that General George Washington named, the “Key to America” and where he bid farewell to his troops after we won our freedom at the end of the Revolutionary War. This location on the Hudson River is one of the most significant places for discovery of artifacts of our indigenous people, was recognized in the journals of Henry Hudson including it's naming as Martelaer’s Rock, and later was part of a spiritual journey to our cadets fostered by Susan and Anna Warner as they taught Bible studies.

Dr. Vincent Tamagna, the master of ceremonies, introduced dignitaries including, United States Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland, Congressman Michael Lawlor, County Executives  Kevin Byrne and Steve Neuhaus of Putnam and Orange County, the keynote speaker for the event George Whipple III, and many more leaders from every level of government.

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Laura Mayer, president of the 110 year old non profit organization stated, “I am extremely grateful to the many volunteers who bring history alive and are the lifeline to our past.” Dr. Tamagna, Vice President of the Association stated, “We continue to tell the stories and recognize how important Constitution Island is to our history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and the role it played at so many pivotal times in our Nation’s history. 

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The year long celebration will close on June 25, 2026, with a reception at the Kemble House. Tours are ongoing, by reservation.