by Bea Peterson
The Second Continental Regiment of Artillery loaded the cannon, and it roared to start the commemoration ceremony at the Bennington Battlefield in Walloomsac on Friday evening, August 16. [private]It was a beautiful summer evening with clear skies and a moon visible above the many monuments that mark the site. More than
60 people attended the ceremony remembering those who fought for America’s freedom in that place 236 years ago. President of the
Walloomsac Battle Chapter, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and Event Chairman John Sheaff reminded the gathering that this was a commemoration ceremony and not a celebration of war. “We are not honoring the battle; we are honoring the people who fought that battle,” he said.
As is the usual yet moving custom at this event, Peter Schaaphok, Brigade of the American Revolution, dressed as General Stark read the General’s letter to the Council of Safety of New Hampshire, August 18, 1777 telling of the success of the Battle. Lt. Colonel Paul Loding, dressed as a Commander in His Majesty’s 53rd
Regiment of Foot, read from a journal written by Brunswick Surgeon Wasmus describing the battle and his capture. Standing on the hilltop, listening to the descriptive words of these two men, it wasn’t difficult to imagine the scene all those years ago.
Dressed in clothing of the time, including a large brimmed hat tied under her chin, Phyllis Chapman read a poem by Phillip Papas entitled “For Bennington Battle Day.” It reads:
“The Battle of Bennington is really a beautiful story.
It gave us a monument wrapped in great glory,
It’s one of Patriot Farmers kissing loved ones goodbye and leaving their farms.
It’s one of Redcoats calling us nothing more than a ‘Rabble in Arms.’
Up north Seth Warner was raiding the Tories and causing quite a commotion,
While John Stark was sore at home at not getting a promotion,
Burgoyne was working down the Hudson, that Gentleman Gent,
Drinking champagne and playing with married women in his tent…”
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution placed wreaths around the monument.
Sheaf read a very moving letter from General Stark written in July of 1809 in which he declined to attend commemoration ceremonies stating, “I am now fourscore and one years old, and the lamp of life is almost spent… I have of late had many such invitations but was not ready for there was not oil enough in the lamp.” He concluded with this P.S. “I will give you my volunteer toast: ‘Live free or die. Death is not the greatest of evils.’”
American Legion Post #40 of Hoosick Falls fired a salute; taps was played, and the roar of the cannon filled the air as the program concluded.
On Saturday there were activities at the Battlefield all through the day.
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