07/28/2026
Honoring the Life and Sacrifice of Bernard F. Sweet
A Bennington Hero Returns Home
To Our Friends, Family and Supporters,
It is with deep respect and gratitude that we share the story of a true American hero, Private Bernard F. Sweet, whose remarkable journey home is finally coming to an end after nearly nine decades.
A Hero's Story
Eighty-seven years ago, Bernard F. Sweet left his hometown of Bennington, Vermont, and said goodbye to his mother, never knowing it would be the last time they would see one another.
Like countless brave young Americans of his generation, Bernard answered his nation's call to service during World War II. While serving in the Philippines, he was captured by enemy forces and became a prisoner of war. He endured the unimaginable hardships of the Bataan Death March and the brutal conditions that followed. Surrounded by illness, suffering, and loss, Bernard ultimately gave his life in service to his country, far from the home and family he loved.
For 87 years, his remains rested in a mass grave, and his fate remained uncertain. Thanks to modern identification efforts, Bernard has now been positively identified and will finally return home to Bennington. He will be laid to rest beside his parents at Park Lawn Cemetery, receiving the dignity, recognition, and honors so rightly earned through his sacrifice and service.
Calling All Riders
We are inviting motorcycle riders and members of the community to join us in honoring Bernard's return home by participating in a motorcycle es**rt.
The es**rt is anticipated to take place on or about August 1, 2026, approximately 7–10 days prior to the funeral service. Once the details have been finalized with the US Government, participants will be contacted directly with the date, time, and route information. See How to Get Involved Below
Final Resting Place
• Saturday, August 8, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
• Park Lawn Cemetery, Bennington, Vermont
A graveside service including full military honors and a prayer service will be held in Bernard's memory.
Following the cemetery service, all family, friends, community members, and guests are invited to attend a reception and celebration of Bernard's life at:
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1332
137 North Street
Bennington, VT 05201
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in the motorcycle es**rt, contributing a dish for the memorial reception, or making a monetary donation to help support this community tribute, please contact the VFW Post #1332 at (802) 442-9857.
Your support and participation will help ensure that Bernard's homecoming is a fitting tribute to his courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.
As we gather to welcome Bernard F. Sweet home, we honor not only his sacrifice but also the sacrifices of an entire generation of Americans who answered the call to serve during a time of great need. Let us come together as a community to ensure that his long-awaited journey home is met with the dignity, respect, honor, gratitude, and remembrance he has so faithfully earned from a community that has never forgotten one of its own.
Respectfully,
Norm LeBlanc, Commander
Verterans of Foreign Wars Post #1332
Bennington, Vermont
