Steuben County community members recently celebrated the inaugural “Charters of Freedom” event, a powerful tribute dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by veterans and active service members while highlighting the ongoing importance of freedom in our communities.
Held at Pulteney Park in Bath, the ceremony brought together local leaders, residents, and veterans, creating a moment of unity and reflection on the values that shape our nation. The documents are life-size bronze replicas, identical to the originals with signatures and each weighing more than sixty pounds. The dedication marks Bath as one of more than sixty Charters of Freedom locations around the country and the first for New York State.
The event featured a ceremonial unveiling, speeches from community leaders, and patriotic music performed by the Bath Haverling School Brass Quintet. Attendees were invited to walk through the installation, a solemn reminder of the bravery and dedication exemplified by those who defend our freedom every day. As a central part of the event, the Charters of Freedom were presented as an ongoing pledge to remember, serve, and protect the values that define America.
In his keynote address, Vance Patterson – Founder of Foundation Forward Inc., underscored the significance of the installation, saying, “Freedom isn’t simply a right—it’s a responsibility that each of us carries. Today, we stand together to acknowledge the sacrifices that make our freedom possible and renew our commitment to those principles.”
The event was warmly received by the community, with Steuben County residents expressing appreciation for the tribute.
The Charters of Freedom is poised to become a central beacon for our area’s youth to learn about our past and how the United States came to what it is today, and how it will continue to inspire and bring together residents across generations.
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