Bennington Rotary Marks America's 250th with Annual July 4 Bell Ringing

As part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Bennington Rotary Club proudly hosted its 13th annual July 4 Bell Ringing Ceremony. This year's event joined the community-wide celebration at the Bennington Battle Monument, honoring the vision and courage of the Founding Fathers.

Inspired by Past President and Rotarian Jerry Albert, the ceremony commemorates a 1963 Congressional Resolution encouraging bells to be rung across the nation each Independence Day in remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Continuing that tradition, Bennington Rotarians rang the bell 13 times—once for each of the original 13 states.

District Governor Ruth Clough had the honor of ringing the bell for Delaware, the first state. Because Vermont became the nation's 14th state and was born in Bennington, the ceremony concludes each year with a special 14th bell.

Each year, that final bell is rung by an individual or organization recognized for outstanding service to the community. This year, the honor was presented to VFW Post 1332, with member Eric Peel representing the organization as the 14th bell ringer.

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of new Assistant Governor Josh Traeger and Rotarians Randell and Dianne Barclay, who were hosting visiting Rotarians from South Africa. Their participation reflected Rotary's international fellowship, making this milestone celebration even more meaningful.

The ceremony concluded with a traditional musket salute by the Green Mountain Boys reenactment company, whose ranks include several Bennington Rotarians, providing a fitting tribute to our nation's founding and to Rotary's enduring commitment to service, fellowship, and community.

Governor Ruth and Assistant Governor Josh ring the Bell!