LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — 246 years after The Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, people gathered on Thursday morning to remember the lives lost on July 3, 1778.
It is the 146th Annual Observance of the battle.
"The people who come here, many of them have relatives that were killed in that battle and massacre, and their names are on that monument," said President of Wyoming Monument Association Marcella Starr.
The battle of Wyoming was not a victory for the Americans in the Revolutionary War, but local historians say the defeat helped shape public opinion of the war back in England.
Charles Boyer is the Command Sergeant Major of the First Battalion 109th field artillery. He and the rest of the battalion come back every year to do the color guard for the event.
"It’s very important for us to be here. We’re very serious about our history and our lineage and honors, and we wouldn’t miss it," said Boyer.
Residents from all over Wyoming Valley come out each year to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"We also don’t want anybody to forget history, and by doing this, we’re trying to keep history alive, try and teach history," said Mark Con, a reenactor for the Annual Observance of the Battle and Massacre.
Con emphasized the importance of remembering the past.
"Well, if you don’t know where you’ve come from, how do you know where we’re going? And too many people don’t know the history of what happened in our own backyards."
Organizers say it is history they will keep alive and well for years to come.