Cinema at the State presents 'The Patriot'

Cinema at the State presents "The Patriot" at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 East Street, in Auburn. After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son enlists in the army to defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin reluctantly returns to his old life to protect his son. Sponsored by Dean Prigmore and Patrice Taylor, this screening is in honor of the 250th year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the 250th year anniversary of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marines. Director Roland Emmerich went from "Independence Day" to the War for Independence with this sweeping epic about a pacifist (Mel Gibson) who takes up arms against the British in 1776 South Carolina. Gibson is sensational as Benjamin Martin, who seeks an "alternative to war," until a British officer guns down his teenage son. Heath Ledger costars as another son who enlists. Joely Richardson (The Tudors) is also featured. Doors open at 1 p.m. The event is free to veterans and anyone else who would like to attend to honor the anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines. Tickets area available at AuburnStateTheatre.org or 530-885-0156.