On the evening of July 11, 2024, community members and veterans gathered to hear Michael Grillo as General George Washington, share his thoughts on the Declaration of Independence, which was first read to Washington’s troops on July 9, 1776 at Kips Bay in Manhattan.

The Friends of the Ward House also announced their Kick-off of the “One in a Million” fundraiser to save and restore the Ward House. Board Members Liz Leckie and Elaine Provenzano highlighted some of the educational initiatives that Friends of the Ward House have championed, such as the ECHO Corrider Map. The Friends also recognized and thanked Wes Callender for his family’s generous and unwavering commitment to preserving the Ward House.

Special thanks to Joe Murray and all of the veterans at the American Legion Post #979 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2285 for their hospitality and enthusiastic support.

(Below are a few snippets of General Washington’s talk (full video will follow when processed).