The Town of Cortlandt kicked off celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a tribute to its role in the Revolutionary War.

"I actually graduated in 1976 from high school, and that was, you know, an anniversary then, but now another momentous [occasion], that it's 250. It's amazing," said Briarcliff Manor resident Carmen Owens.

Residents gathered at the Cortlandt Waterfront Park, where reenactors brought the past to life.

"This is where the American Northern Colonies joined with the French to cross over the Hudson River. And at that point, they marched south towards Yorktown. That's where George Washington defeated Cornwallis and won the war," said Cortlandt Town Supervisor Richard Becker.

Leading the charge was Joe Ryan, the founder of the Living History Education Foundation.

"If you go back to 1876, our first centennial celebration and look at the photos, they had photos then, you're going to see local people dressing up, having pageants, shooting fireworks, and celebration. That's what it's about," said Ryan.

There are several other events taking place to celebrate America's 250th in areas like White Plains, Yonkers and New Rochelle.