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Bronxville DAR Members Celebrate 'James Reynolds Day'

BRONXVILLE, N.Y. -- 'James Reynolds Day,' which honored the Revolutionary War patriot's service to this country, was celebrated again this year on May 17, 2015.

From left, James Reynolds descendant, Russell S. Reynolds, Jr., of Greenwich; Debbie Reynolds; James Reynolds descendant, Richard Reynolds and James Reynolds descendant; and Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter DAR member Virginia Reynolds Hefti.

From left, James Reynolds descendant, Russell S. Reynolds, Jr., of Greenwich; Debbie Reynolds; James Reynolds descendant, Richard Reynolds and James Reynolds descendant; and Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter DAR member Virginia Reynolds Hefti.

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter Na
Treasurer, Somers Land Trust, Lauretta Jones, and James Reynolds descendant and Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter DAR member Virginia Reynolds Hefti.

Treasurer, Somers Land Trust, Lauretta Jones, and James Reynolds descendant and Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter DAR member Virginia Reynolds Hefti.

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter Na
Revolutionary War re-enactors - led by Bill Wienecke - accompanied by a bugler from Boy Scout Troop 376;

Revolutionary War re-enactors - led by Bill Wienecke - accompanied by a bugler from Boy Scout Troop 376;

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter Na
Attendees celebrating James Reynolds Day.

Attendees celebrating James Reynolds Day.

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter Na
Attendees celebrating James Reynolds Day.

Attendees celebrating James Reynolds Day.

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter Na

More than a decade ago, Anne Hutchinson-Bronxville Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member, Virginia Reynolds Hefti, was credited with helping to save the historic Mount Zion Burial Ground -- which is a part of the historic corridor in Somers, N.Y. -- from the threat of a proposed development plan. 

Situated on both sides of Primrose Street, the historic corridor also includes the 1794 Mount Zion Methodist Church -- the second oldest surviving Methodist chapel in Westchester County -- The Reynolds Homestead and the Angle Fly Preserve, a 654-acre tract of open space.

The historic church and burial ground are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. So when it came time to celebrate Hefti's paternal ancestor, American Revolutionary War Patriot, James Reynolds -- who is buried in the historic cemetery along with his wife, Abigail Knapp -- The Somers Land Trust and the Enoch Crosby Chapter of the DAR invited Hefti back again for 'James Reynolds Day.' 

Born in Greenwich in 1759, Reynolds served in Connecticut's 9th Regiment in the American Revolution before moving to Westchester Count. 'James Reynolds Day' began with the unveiling of a bronze commemorative plaque at his grave. Helping to bring this important chapter in American history to vivid life, were Revolutionary War re-enactors -- led by Bill Wienecke -- and a young bugler from Boy Scout Troop 376. 

Following the colorful graveside ceremony, 'James Reynolds Day' activities included a genealogy workshop and a walking tour of the historic Reynolds Homestead.

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