Independence Day - Belleville, N.J.

Anthony Buccino was asked to speak at the Belleville Historical Society's annual 4th of July morning ceremony in the cemetery of the old Belleville Dutch Reformed Church on the corner of Main and Rutgers streets, Belleville, N.J. More than 65 veterans of the American Revolution are buried in the small cemetery.

Buccino and Nutley Commissioner Steve Rogers, both Belleville-raised, were selected to raise the American   flag near the resting place of Captain Henry Benson who died of his wounds in the Civil War 151 years ago.

Buccino's Remarks

"237 years ago The Declaration of Independence set our country's course. We cherish our freedom. Sometimes we take it for granted. But freedom is not free.

Our sons, brothers, uncles and daughters have fought through generations to preserve this country.

Around us are the graves of more than 65 American Revolution veterans, including that of Henry Brown who perished at Valley Forge. And one of three Civil War casualties, Captain Henry Benson.

Dutch Reformed Church, Belleville, N.J.

Cemetery at Dutch Reformed Church, Belleville, N.J. 

I shot this photo after virtually everyone left the event. I wanted to be eye-level with the cannon, so I stood on the sidewalk and faced the cemetery. I took several shots, not sure what I was getting due to sun glare and such.

This photo captures tombstones, the flag, the cannon and the cross falls into a gap in the branches. The former Dutch Reformed Church is in the background at the opposite end of the cemetery.

Perhaps the only way this could have been better is if the cannon was firing - but that would have been dangerous.
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For more on the reason for the ceremonies, click here. 
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Copyright © 2012 by Anthony Buccino, all rights reserved. Photos and content may not be used for commercial purposes without written permission.

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