Ft. Ligonier to hold `Friendly Fire' demonstration
George Washington might not think it is an incident to commemorate from the French and Indian War, but Fort Ligonier is holding another “Friendly Fire Friday for Free” event on July 5, the second of four such events this summer.
Special demonstrations, weather permitting, will feature musket and artillery firings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., said Julie Donovan, Fort Ligonier marketing director.
This is the third year that the fort is holding Friendly Fire Friday events — the first Friday of June, July, August and September, Donovan said.
“It is a nod to George Washington,” she noted.
The program will include an account of Washington’s near brush with death, a few miles west of the fort. In November 1758, Washington led a Virginia regiment that mistakenly faced off against another Virginia regiment in the fog and dwindling light. To stop the shooting between the Virginians, Washington rode along the lines of his soldiers, knocking down their muskets with his sword.
The “free” in the title of the program refers to free admission to Fort Ligonier and all of its exhibits, buildings and grounds, Donovan said. Those visiting the fort in Ligonier will be able to see renowned artist and Ligonier native Chas Fagan’s “Flash Point,” which depicts the incident.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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