Alongside local leaders, historical societies, and before various members of the broader community, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine spent the morning of Wednesday, August 6th, proudly reciting inspirational words penned by the Founding Fathers before deferring to their modern-day counterparts on hand.
In conjunction with the County’s upcoming 250th Anniversary Commemorative Planning Committee, Romaine and company—which included reenactors tabbed to play former heads of state such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—provocatively promised a celebration “like you’ve never seen” come Fourth of July 2026.
When given the mic by Romaine, Washington and Jefferson wasted no time in powerfully regurgitating sentiments expressed when they originally signed the Declaration of Independence all those years ago. The guests of honor also took the opportunity to boast to a crowd that couldn’t be more grateful for their efforts.
“They thought we were going to attack them, which was a ruse so I could march three columns down the Virginia and finally end this war,” Washington professed from the podium, noting that the British infamously delayed sending out troops to help Lord [Charles] Cornwallis, thereby denying Yorktown assistance on the Peninsula of the James River. “They fell for that lie.”
“Suffolk County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution,” Romaine profusely iterated.
Historians on the local front sure know it, given the cult popularity cultivated by trail, landmark and Washington Spy Ring followers that every keen-observing Long Islander has encountered at some point. “As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we are proud to honor our local history and the stories that helped shape our nation,” the County Executive added.
After a moving rendition of God Bless America by Megan Adamo, additional reenactors impressively fired their muskets—much to the patriotic delight of all in attendance at Sagtikos Manor.
This was the same location where President Washington spent the night a year into his table-setting presidency; it had previously served as the British military headquarters on Long Island.
Now, it’s a site where even more period-costume theatrics, colonial music, military send-offs and so forth are in store for the near future.