Sugar Tours

For Immediate Release:

Support the Cannon Fund Raiser

Have you ever experienced the firing of a Civil War era cannon, teaching children in a second lessons about war and sacrifice they could never learn in a classroom? That sight and sound, which for over 40 years has been brought to the public by the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery, may be missing from parades and reenactments in the future without help – possibly your help.

Forty-four years ago the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery took possession of an original Napoleon 12 pounder cannon (known as the Proctor Cannon) owned by the State of Vermont. Before the 2^nd Battery took charge of the cannon it was almost completely destroyed by years of neglect. The 2^nd Battery completely restored, maintained, cared for, displayed, and fired this piece of Vermont’s heritage for the enjoyment and education of the public for over 40 years with little interest paid by the state of Vermont. Now the group has been in a dispute with the state over the continued firing of the cannon, which was the main activity that provided financial and volunteer support for the cannon’s maintenance and upkeep. The group remains committed to preserving this piece of Vermont’s history, but has been forced to find new ways to motivate volunteers and keep the group together. The 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery has resolved to continue its educational mission to the public while negotiations with the State of Vermont continue over the use of the Proctor Cannon.

Capt. James Dassatti, commander of the unit, who is a resident of Jacksonville, Vermont, has had Vermonters and people from across the northeast send him funds to continue his debate on the use of the cannon with the State of Vermont.

Capt. Dassatti, who lectures about 15 times a year in week-long sessions on the American Revolution on programs for Elderhostel, concocted with his First Sergeant Roger Tiberia of Ravena, New York, the idea of doing a historical motorcoach tour to Gettysburg to raise funds for the purchase of a new cannon. Dassatti then approached his Elderhostel Program Provider, Mr. Chris Donnelly, who also owns Sugar Tours & Educational Journeys of West Dover, Vermont.  Mr. Donnelly stated, “This is a great project for a really dynamic group. Everyone here in the office really wants to help this project and we are planning to volunteer a lot of our time for its success. We chose Gettysburg as the destination because all elements of the brand new $135 million Visitor Center, which initially opened in May 2008, are now fully accessible to all visitors. Even if you have been to Gettysburg before, this experience includes all new attractions. We are really excited about this.”

This tour is scheduled for June 5 – 7, 2009 and will depart from the Dover area stopping in Albany before traveling to Gettysburg.  We will be staying in Gettysburg for two nights with visits to the new Gettysburg Visitor Center, the David Wills House, West Point and dinner at the Dobbins House Tavern.  All profits from this tour will go towards the purchase of a new firing cannon by the 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery.

For more information contact Chris Donnelly, Sugar Tours, 802-464-9740, or James Dassatti, 2^nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery, 802-368-7913.