“When Rough Riders and Theodore Roosevelt visited the places he called home, what better way to celebrate the American spirit than to see history come to life,” said Director Saladino.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board, in partnership with the Friends of Sagamore Hill, announced that the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay will be held on Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A major historical reenactment is held to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt’s first U.S. Volunteer Cavalry across the nation.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the American spirit ahead of Independence Day than to see history come to life when Rough Riders and Theodore Roosevelt visited the place he called home, the hamlet of Oyster Bay,” said Superintendent Saladino. “This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to travel back in time and learn more about the Rough Riders, their skills and how they helped enhance America’s image globally.”
Presented by Boots and Saddles Productions and Island Long Riders, this historic commemoration includes:
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Theodore Roosevelt Reprisor and Photo Opportunity -
rough rider on horse -
Island Long Riders Horse Shooting Cowboys -
Interpretive show and live music -
U.S. Army Cavalry Demonstrating Saber -
Historic camp with canvas era tents
“We are pleased to partner with the Friends of Sagamore Hill to welcome home our most famous residents, President Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Join us for this free day of family fun at Oyster Bay.”
The Rough Riders was the nickname for the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, one of three such regiments in the Spanish-American War and the only one that saw combat. The United States wages war against Spanish colonial policy in Cuba, which is subsequently torn apart by rebellion. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, was a staunch supporter of the Cuban War of Independence and helped attract skilled cavalry eager to fight. Known as “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders,” they are remembered for their performance at the Battle of San Juan Hill. A few days after the battle ended, the Spanish fleet sailed from Cuba, and within weeks an armistice was signed to end the fighting. Despite their short time in service, the Rough Riders became legendary thanks to Roosevelt writing his own history of the regiment and silent film reenactments made years later. Colonel Roosevelt later became the 26th President of the United States of America. During his reign, Roosevelt’s residence on Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay became known as the “Summer White House” and became the focus of international attention.
