Volunteers Restored Historic Medal of Honor Marker
A refurbished sign in Troy now honors Michael Burke, a Civil War soldier who received the Medal of Honor.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Awards
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Volunteers have restored a weather-worn historic marker in Troy dedicated to Civil War veteran Michael Burke. The sign stands at St. Mary's Cemetery on Brunswick Road, honoring the soldier who served in the 125th New York Infantry Regiment.
Why it matters
The restoration ensures that the legacy of a local recipient of the Medal of Honor remains visible to the public. The marker had become rusty and illegible, threatening to erase the history of Burke's service at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
The restoration process for the marker took two weeks and required sandblasting the metal before applying epoxy primer and official New York blue-and-yellow paint. The marker commemorates Michael Burke, who lived from 1844 to 1878.
The players
Michael Burke
He was a Civil War soldier who served in the 125th New York Infantry Regiment and received the Medal of Honor.
Bill Sage
He is one of the volunteers who dedicated two weeks to restoring the historic marker.
Kevin Sage
He assisted in the two-week restoration process to return the sign to a legible condition.
The details
Bill and Kevin Sage undertook the project to repair the sign, which had been severely weathered. The marker recognizes Burke's heroic actions during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864, where he earned the nation's highest military decoration.
Timeline
September 15, 1862: Michael Burke was captured following the Battle of Harpers Ferry.
May 12, 1864: Burke earned the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
October 2026: Volunteers completed the restoration of the historic marker.
November 8, 2026: A veterans breakfast is scheduled at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader trend of community-led historical preservation, where residents actively maintain aging local monuments that might otherwise succumb to environmental decay. It highlights a shift in societal engagement, where the public takes ownership of commemorating military heritage.
Residents visiting St. Mary's Cemetery can now easily read the historical information regarding the service of Michael Burke. This restoration improves the aesthetic and educational value of the local cemetery grounds for all visitors.
The takeaway
Maintaining local historic markers helps preserve the stories of veterans for future generations to learn about their service. Residents interested in local history can participate by identifying other weathered signs in the area that may require similar care.
What happens next
A veterans breakfast will be held at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post on November 8, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more local honors and commemorations on the Troy Awards page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Union.
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