LEST WE FORGET
Bethlehem Public Library Exhibit
451 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
May 1-May 30, 2003

LEST WE FORGET Bethlehem Public Library Exhibit 451 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 May 1-May 30, 2003

An exhibit in the Bethlehem Public Library was on display in May 2003 to commemorate our American history, Memorabilia and artifacts from the Revolutionary War, 1775- 1783, Spanish American War, 1898, The Civil War, 1861-1865, World War I, 1917-1918, the Great War, to end all wars, World War II, 1941-1945, the Korean War, 1950-1953, Viet Nam 1967-1973, and Iraq, 2003 were presented in a glass case for public viewing.

The exhibit was meant to memorialize and respect those who served and died for our country's ideals: democracy and freedom. The collected items were from families proud of their military heritage and from those who may have questioned their mission but faithfully served.

Rose Coomb's definitive 1976 study of World War I battlefields noted that people and places were forgotten when memorial markers disappeared. It is hoped that the, revitalization of the Bethlehem Veteran's Memorial Park on Delaware Avenue, Delmar and the Bethlehem Library exhibit will perpetuate an awareness of those who sacrificed their life, limb and time for the American Dream. As it has been said, "We ignore history at our own peril."'

During the 3rd week of May, the committee was contacted by Ron Selkirk with an offer to provide information for the display about his great-great-great-grandfather, Sgt. James Selkirk, a Revolutionary War veteran from Bethlehem. Ron brought the following 1950's newspaper photo of his grandfather, Charles Selkirk, examining the Revolutionary War discharge orders of his great-grandfather, Sgt. James Selkirk.

Ron Selkirk and his wife Judy talk history with town historian, Joe Allgaier at the library. The Bethlehem hamlet of Selkirk was named after the Selkirk family.

This enhanced photo is a part of the discharge orders for Sgt. James Selkirk signed by General George Washington.  James Selkirk was born in Scotland in 1756 and came to America at age 17. He joined the 2nd Regiment of New York in 1776 and served until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783. He served at Ticonderoga, Oriskany, Rhode Island, West Point (at the time that Benedict Arnold turned traitor), Virginia, and Newburgh.

Photos were taken of the items brought by Ron and his wife and added to the library display.

BVWM Education Committee members
Joseph Allgaier, Town Historian
Samuel Whiting
Raymond Houghton, Ph.D.
Virginia Acquario, BVWM Park Committee Project Coordinator

MEMORIAL DAY