A special opportunity is being offered to the public on Friday, July 12 as the Ticonderoga Historical Society hosts its free movie “Sergeant York.”

Attendees will be joined by direct descendants of World War One hero Sgt. Alvin York.  A 6 p.m. reception will take place at the Hancock House, with remarks by family members.  Reservations are necessary for the reception and a $5 donation is requested.   Showing of the classic Gary Cooper film, which is free to the public, will follow at 7 p.m.  Seating is limited and reservations for movie viewing will be accepted.

Traveling to Ticonderoga for this special showing will be Andrew Jackson York, one of two surviving children of Sgt. Alvin C. and Gracie York.  Prior to retirement, he spent 42 years as a Tennessee State Park Ranger at the Sgt. York Historical Site, conducting tours of his family home.  He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation.

Also in attendance will be Colonel (ret.) Gerald E. York, grandson of Alvin York.  A career officer in the U.S. Army, York retired with 31 years of active service.  He is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit and three awards of the Army Meritorious Service Medal.  He has served as Chairman of the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation since 2005.

A key project for both men has been the establishment of the Sgt.  York Center for Peace and Valor, which will provide opportunities to youth and veterans as well as a center to train educators on the Medal of Honor values.  Like its founder, Sgt. Alvin C. York, the Center for Peace and Valor will serve to promote the qualities of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and peace through increased awareness, education, behavior and example.

Additional information is available by calling 518-585-7868 or via e-mail to tihistory@bridgepoint1com.