Captain Austin Roe Grave Marker Rededicated

Post written by: Laura Miller, Regent, NSDAR Col. Josiah Smith Chapter, Suffolk County, Long Island, NY

Once stolen and lost to the community, the Children of the American Revolution marker has been recovered and preserved—today’s ceremony marks its long-awaited rededication and rightful return. 

Community members, local leaders, and descendants gathered at Cedar Grove Cemetery to pay tribute to Revolutionary War patriot Captain Austin Roe. This meaningful event was made possible through the collaboration of the Colonel Josiah Smith Chapter, NSDAR, and the Greater Patchogue Historical Society.

Among those in attendance were Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne, NYS Representative Joe DeStefano, Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara Russell, Patchogue Town Historian and Board Member of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, Steve Lucas, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, Mark Sternberg, author and historian, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, alongside members of the Captain Austin Roe Society, Children of the American Revolution, and descendants of Captain Roe.

In a powerful and meaningful moment, members of the Roe family unveiled the once-stolen Children of the American Revolution marker—now permanently protected and encased in marble thanks to Fricke Memorials.

With a moving ceremony that included George Washington leading the crowd to recite the pledge of allegiance, a musket salute thanks to the 3rd NY Regiment, a ceremonial cannon artillery salute, and the presence of our next generation of patriots, we honored not only Captain Roe’s service, but the enduring legacy of those who fought for American independence.

Moments like these remind us that history is not just remembered—it is lived, shared, and passed on.

#America250 #DAR #CAR #RevolutionaryWar #Patchogue #HistoricPreservation #CaptainAustinRoe #LongIslandHistory

I got a picture with President George Washington. I guess I can die now, or perhaps I am already dead, since I’m standing in a graveyard with George Washington.

Rededicated grave marker of Captain Austin Roe.

NY 3rd Regiment 

Children of the American Revolution 

George and Martha Washington with Greater Patchogue Historical Society President, Steve Lucas

NSDAR Col. Josiah Smith Chapter with members of the Roe Family 

About 30 descendants of Austin Roe were in attendance for the rededication.

Me with my 21st Century husband. For any historians reading this: Yes, I know my bonnet should be set back further on my head to be period appropriate; it was raining.