CANNON SALUTE HONORS WAR HERO

Cannon Salute Honors War Hero
Erie Times-News December 14, 1997 by: Meg Loncharic
If you hear a cannon booming on Erie's bayfront early Monday morning, fear not. War has not broken out on Erie's waterfront. It's merely a commendable act of patriotism in honor of Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who was commissioned by President George Washington to be the first commander of the "Legion" (of the United States)- today's modern-day Army. Wayne died in Erie on Dec. 15, 1796, at the site of the blockhouse named in his honor. It is located on the bluff overlooking the bay, a short stroll from the Pennsylvania Soldiers' & Sailors' Home. A small contingent of Revolutionary War re-enactment soldiers will travel to Erie from Ambridge and Sewickley this weekend to mark the 201st anniversary of Wayne's death. Coming from Wayne's camp at Legionville, Pa., they'll arrive here late Sunday afternoon and camp out at the blockhouse. At 2:10 a.m. Monday, the exact time of Wayne's death, they'll fire a five-round cannon salute to honor the Revolutionary War hero. Later that day, they'll report to Wayne Middle School, 650 East Ave., to present three programs for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth graders. They'll join the students in the school cafeteria, at the invitation of Jan Woods, assistants principal. To conclude their visit, they'll visit Hopper's Brewpub, where they will have a chance to try the beer named in Wayne's honor. A special thanks to William Fluharty, Regina Riley and SSGT. Richard Harris for a wonderful trip to honor Wayne.

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