Oriskany, NY – Today, on the hallowed ground of the Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly announced the official launch of Flags Across the Mohawk Valley, a community-wide initiative encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations across the 119th District to fly the American flag in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. “In every stripe, a story. In every star, a promise.” That is the spirit behind this initiative, a call to communities throughout the Mohawk Valley to come together in honor of 250 years of American freedom, resilience, and unity by proudly displaying the Stars & Stripes that represent us all.
The announcement was held at the historic battlefield where, in 1777, local militia and allied forces fought with extraordinary courage during the Battle of Oriskany, one of the most pivotal and hard-fought engagements of the Revolutionary War. The site stands as a lasting symbol of sacrifice, determination, and the enduring pursuit of liberty that continues to define the American story. “In honor of the extraordinary minds and heroic sacrifices that brought birth to this great Nation, Flags Across the Mohawk Valley celebrates the promise that still lives in every star on that flag, the promise that President Washington called ‘the sacred fire of liberty’. It is the promise of freedom, as Thomas Paine wrote,
“bought with the blood of patriots on fields like this one, is the most precious of all’. Here, today on these hollowed grounds, where our forefathers, the people of this valley, gave everything to defend that ‘sacred fire’, the task has now been passed to us, to carry the torch of freedom, and ignite the path of liberty. Because it was Reagan who said ‘When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation; freedom, equality, justice,
and hope,’ but it was Wilson who reminded us that ‘This flag, which we honor and under which we serve,…has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours.’” ~ Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
Flags Across the Mohawk Valley invites all members of the community to participate by displaying the American flag at their homes, businesses, and organizations throughout this historic anniversary year. Participants are also encouraged to share photos of their flags on social media using #FlagsAcrossTheMohawkValley and #America250, helping to build a visible and united tribute across the region.
The campaign is being carried out in partnership with local veterans’ organizations, civic groups, and community leaders who share a commitment to honoring America’s past while inspiring future generations. “I just want to thank Assemblywoman Buttenschon for her leadership in highlighting the importance of the flag of the United States of America. The flag really tells the story of our nation, and the service and the sacrifices of our veterans, who made our country what it is today.
On behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution Oneida Chapter, I really appreciate this initiative and encourage everyone to get out, fly your flag, explore our local history, and celebrate America 250.” ~ Leslie Raney; Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution Oneida Chapter.
As the nation approaches its Semiquincentennial, the Mohawk Valley, rich with Revolutionary War history, stands poised to play a meaningful role in commemorating the ideals upon which the United States was founded. From the fields of Oriskany to communities across the region, this initiative seeks to foster pride, reflection, and unity. “Two hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of this nation made a promise, not just to the generation that would follow them, but to every generation that would come after. On this ground, where the men and women of the Mohawk Valley once bled so that a nation might live, we are reminded that the flag is not merely cloth and color. It is the American Dream, alive and enduring. It is our generation’s way of saying: we have not forgotten. We have not taken for granted the ease, the estates, the pleasure, and the blood, as John Adams so powerfully wrote, that purchased this liberty for us. And so we ask every
resident of this valley, every neighbor, every family, every organization that believes in that promise, to raise your flag. Let it fly over every street, and every hilltop in this valley, as a declaration to history, and to one another, that the sacred fire still burns.” ~ Assemblywoman Buttenschon
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon:
Assemblywoman Buttenschon represents the 119th District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as surrounding towns and farming communities. A lifelong educator, public safety advocate, and small business supporter, she proudly serves on the Assembly’s Agriculture, Banks, Economic Development, Education, Higher Education, and Veterans Affairs Committees and chairs the Committee on Small Businesses. Her work is driven by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s future.
