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WPCNR Miller Hill Citizen Patriot. By John F. Bailey. February 21, 2005: The White Plains Historical Society staged its 273rd Birthday Party for George Washington Sunday afternoon at the Jacob Purdy House (where George Washington Headquartered in White Plains) on Miller Hill. The ceremony honoring the nation’s first Forefather, General of the American Revolution, and First President, and perhaps arguably its best, was made all the more poignant by the remembrances of a young friend of Michael Arciola, the resident of Elmsford, killed in action in Iraq last week.
The 23rd Regiment of Foot, Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Colonel Pawling’s Independent Corps of Levies, strike Old Glory, and the Continental Army Flag Sunday at Jacob Purdy House overlooking White Plains. British troops attempted to take George Washington’s well fortified positions on Miller Hill, but were stopped, withdrawing to New York ending the Battle of White Plains. The flag was raised and lowered to half-mast in honor and membory of Michael Arciola of Elmsford. A Citizen-Soldier like George Washington himself. Photo by WPCNR News.
The young man spoke of Mr. Arciola, who was his friend, saying that being in the army was something Mr. Arciola always wanted to do. He spoke of him being in several gunfights, was shot in the neck, and how he died 24 hours later. Overcome with emotion, the young man spoke haltingly, fighting back tears, said his friend died doing what he loved to do.
Jacob Purdy House Yesterday during the ceremonies. John Vorperian is at the podium. Photo by WPCNR News.
The regret expressed Sunday over the sacrifice of Mr. Arciola, brought to the mind of this reporter the sacrifices made by the “Citizen-Soldiers” at the Battle of White Plains in 1776 who stopped the advance of British General Howe’s army on this very hill. Arguably, the Battle of White Plains was the turning point of the American revolution.
Arms at Rest: The Fusiliers and the Independent Corps of Levies rest arms in honor of the fallen Citizen-Solider, Michael Arciola. Photo by WPCNR News.
Robert Hoch, after being introduced by John Vorperian read this tribute to George Wahington whose author is unknown. It speaks of all the “Citizen-Soldiers” who fight for what American stands for today wherever they are stationed. It lauds the kind of man George Washington was, and we reprint Mr. Hoch’s reading here:
Cider and a birthday cake greeted some 60 citizens who came out for the Sunday observance. The forthright bust of George Washington, looks on. Photo by WPCNR News.
A prized possession of the White Plains Historical Society is a white marble bust of George Washington – sculptor unknown – that graces a pedestal or prominence here in the Jacob Purdy house.
It casts an aura over this historic house and is an ever-present reminder of the man who, both during and after the Revolutionary War, was the living symbol of a great nation.
There were many heroes during the Revolution, and not a few villains. But, the American victory, so improbable in 1776 was more than anything the personal achievement of George Washington that made final victory possible.
He held the army together when the cause was darkest; he declined dictatorship when it could have been his for the asking. He treat Congress with respect even when its actions and pronouncements merited only scorn.
His greatness manifested itself at the end of the Revolution when, after eight long years of service, the resigned his powers and commission as head of the Continental Army to the Continental Congress assembled at Annapolis. His overriding desire was to be “Citizen Washington:” to seen no personal aggrandizement.
A true hero of the Revolution, Washington road home to Mount Vernon in the fall of 1783 happy to lay down his burden. It is interesting to note that in his study at Mount Vernon there is not a sign of his military career.
Jeff Reiner entertained with patriotic songs on the organ, including Yankee Doodle Dandy, Battle Hymn of the Republic. Mr. Reiner’s organ stylings filled the little house with stirring tunes that lifted sombre hearts with the ideals of George Washington’s heritage. Photo by WPCNR News
Jacob Purdy House opens three times a year: In October to recognize the Battle of White Plains; In February in recognition of President’s Week, and on the Fourth of July. The Historical Society does not have the funds to keep the home open on a regular schedule. The Purdy House stands on hallowed ground and stands sentinel for those first citizen-soldiers who died on this hill.
There is revolutionary history in White Plains, almost as rich as Boston in sites which forged America. Perhaps in the future, the trails and the paths, the charges and the burnings that took place here will be recognized more than just four times a year.
