Come join the Bennington Rotary Club at the town offices to help ring the bell of the USS Bennington in celebration of Independence Day.

The USS Bennington was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served the U.S. Navy from 1944 through 1970. When the ship was de-commissioned, its bell was entrusted to the Town of Bennington, and it is displayed year-round on the town office's lawn.

13 Rotarians will ring the USS Bennington's bell to honor each of the 13 original colonies. This "Fourteenth Bell-Ringer" honorary role is reserved for a person or organization that has made a positive difference in our community.

The Bennington Elks are being honored this year, and the bell will be rung by several of their members.

The bell ringing will begin at 1pm. Both adults and children attending this ceremony will have a special chance to ring the bell themselves after the program ends.

The bell is located in front of the Bennington town offices at 205 South Street in downtown Bennington.