Jun 30, 2013 3 min read

WHARTON TWP. — Several events will take place at Fort Necessity National Battlefield on Wednesday, the anniversary of the 1754 battle that was the opening action for the French and Indian War.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8543 Band from North Union Township will perform a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m., weather permitting. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will conduct a naturalization ceremony at the park visitor center at 11 a.m., administering an Oath of Allegiance to 20 new citizens. The National Park Service will also conduct memorial programs near the fort at 11 a.m., 2 and 3:30 p.m. These events are held to honor the men who fought and died during the battle at Fort Necessity 259 years ago.

“These men, though not U.S. soldiers, were in fact, fighting in a foreign war,” said Park Ranger Brian Reedy, who helped arrange the concert with the band’s director, Rich Miller. “Not only the British and French soldiers, who were obviously on foreign soil, but the American Indian that participated in the battle were away from their homelands. Odawa, Abenaki, Huron, Nipissing, and Algonquian warriors traveled from the shores of Lake Michigan, the banks of the St. Lawrence river, and throughout the northeast and Great Lakes area to defend their way of life.”

Visitors to the concert should bring along a ground cover for under their blanket or collapsible chairs. Picnic baskets are permitted — no alcohol is allowed. Fort Necessity is a litter-free park — “Pack it in, Pack it out.” There will no rain date if the concert is cancelled. If the weather is threatening, call 724-329-5811 to find out if the concert will be held.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early. Parking will be at the Visitor Center parking lot, about a 300 yard walk to the meadow. The meadow is not lit, so Reedy suggests bringing along a flashlight for the trip back to the car.

Later in the month, on July 21 and 22, Fort Necessity, will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Pontiac’s Rebellion, an attempt by an alliance of American Indian Nations, after the French and Indian War, to prevent Great Britain from occupying the land previously claimed by France. The event will include an encampment of Warriors and British Soldiers and special historical presentations.

To obtain driving directions, fee information and obtain a listing of the special events presented at the five national parks located in Western Pennsylvania, visit the park websites, or Facebook. You may also email the Western Pennsylvania Parks at WEPAinformation@nps.gov, or write to: Superintendent, Fort Necessity NB, One Washington Parkway, Farmington PA15437 Attn: Special Events Calendar.