Lester was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during a battle in Virginia on Sept. 29, 1864, just weeks before his death.

And on Saturday morning, the Fort Ann man was finally given a full military salute and commemoration for his bravery at the Pineview Cemetery on Quaker Road.

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced,” said President Abraham Lincoln, played by Phillip Jessen, quoting from the Gettysburg Address. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Ray Johnston, director of the Medal of Honor Historical Society of the U.S., said that when he found out Lester did not have a grave headstone and that he had not been honored for his bravery, he contacted the Glens Falls VFW Post 2475.

“I asked if they would help commemorate his service,” said Johnston, who traveled from Toledo, Ohio for Saturday’s event, adding that the VFW paid for Archer’s grave marker. “We make sure the Medal of Honor recipients’ graves are marked.”

At about 10:30 a.m., representatives from several military groups and Civil War re-enactment troops began gathering near Archer’s grave marker in the American Legion’s section of the cemetery.

There were flags flying high on this crisp fall morning and military uniforms of many colors, representing various wars, military reserves, veteran’s groups, scouts and the New York National Guard.

At just about 11 a.m., the procession, led by a lone bagpiper, began through the cemetery and past the Patriot Honor Guard standing at attention for the commemorative ceremony.

“Our district has a long history of service and sacrifice, they are the brave men and women who are putting themselves in harm’s way,” said U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, one of the event’s slated speakers. “Sgt. Lester Archer enlisted to serve in the 96th infantry and he saw much combat, especially in Virginia ... he gave the sacrifice of his life.”

Because Archer’s body was never found, his headstone rests in the cemetery as a place to honor the fallen hero.

State Sen. Betty Little, R-Queensbury, said, “I am very proud to be able to be here and be part of a community that does not forget our military,” the senator said. “This young man from Fort Ann, from our area, received the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Historical records report that Archer was 23 when he enlisted in 1861. In a surprise attack on Virginia’s Fort Harrison in 1864, Archer and the men of the 96th charged up the hill taking control of the fort. Archer placed the Union flag at its peak.

According to the Medal of Honor committee, Archer was awarded the medal “for gallantry in placing the colors of his regiment on the fort.”

The dramatic ceremony of soldiers and honor guards was further enhanced with canon fire and a 21-gun salute.

The ceremony closed with the bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace,” followed by a lone bugler playing taps. “Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”