While working on a story about the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont, for our special Veterans Day episode of Connecting Point, I was reminded that the sacrifices of our best and bravest on behalf of our nation began right here in New England. We’re surrounded by reminders that it all started here, that we’re the cradle of the revolution that spawned this magnificent country of ours. And while most of the more “famous” stories of our nation’s birth are tied to the eastern part of Massachusetts, the Battle of Bennington just a few miles across the border in Vermont was, as Thomas Jefferson put it, “the first link in the long chain” that lead to the formation of our country. I’d heard of the Battle of Bennington, and seen the majestic monument that rises above the treetops many times while passing by or through the city.
The Bennington Battle Monument in Vermont.
What I didn’t know, however, was that 700 men were captured in the aftermath of that battle on August 16th, 1777 – and of those men (several of whom were mercenaries and hired soldiers – Hessians and Germans), many stayed here, made homes and lives here, and right from the start made America the wonderful “melting pot” that it is today.
And then there’s the secrets hidden in the architecture of the tower… messages and memories written into each rock that makes up the 306 foot 4 and a half inch obelisk towering over the city, reminding all who pass by of the sacrifices of those who came before us. Forget about “The DaVinci Code” and those novels by the author Dan Brown – this is the real deal, and it’s right here in our backyard!
What hidden messages, you ask? Sorry, I’m not telling. You’ll have to find out for yourself ; just watch the story you’ll find in the link below and all will be revealed. Better yet, watch the story and then go to Bennington and see it for yourself. There’s SO much history and mystery all around us, you just have to know where to look. And Connecting Point is a great place to start!
