Veterans Day at Bennington Battlefield

The battlefield will host a Veterans Day event on November 11 at 3:00 PM in honor of the service of America's veterans, past and present. The free program will take place under the flagpole near the hilltop parking area. Members of the Friends of the Bennington Battlefield in period dress will share the stories of local veterans, and one war widow, throughout history. Scouts from Troop 65 will then assist in a flag retreat ceremony. The event will conclude with a musket salute. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly for this outdoor event.
 
Anyone wishing to attend should e-mail david.pitlyk@parks.ny.gov or call 518-860-9094 with their name and the number of guests in their party. The number of participants and spectators who may attend is limited, so spots will go to those who RSVP first. Seating will be arranged in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Attendees are asked to bring their own face mask.

A Generous Gift & a New Reason to Visit

This improvement has been a long time coming. We are pleased to announce that our replica 3-pounder is in place, complete with interpretive panel. It can be viewed near the upper parking area and will remain on permanent display. The piece is modeled off of one of the trophy cannons taken at the battle and is the result of collaboration between NYS Parks, the Bennington Museum and Saratoga NHP.

The replica is a gift of the Kasler family, who trace their ancestry to one of the German soldiers who fought in the battle and later made a life for himself in America. While not an artillerist himself, this gift honors his memory. A memorial plaque attached to the carriage reads:

Presented to the State of New York by the Kasler family, in memory of their ancestor, Johann Michael Kasler, a German soldier in Captain Thomae’s Company of the Light Infantry Battalion von Barner, who fought and was wounded during the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777.