In Honor of Revolutionary War Veterans Sergeant Benjamin Woodruff and Corporal Josiah Cutler As They Receive Plaques in Ann Arbor's Forest Hill Cemetery

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Revolutionary War Veterans Sergeant Benjamin Woodruff and Corporal Josiah Cutler on the occasion of the laying of a plaque in their honor at Forest Hill Cemetery located in Ann Arbor, Michigan by the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Freedom is not free, and today we pause to remember two men who served their country during the Revolutionary War. Their service to our nation at the time of its birth is worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Sergeant Benjamin Woodruff first enlisted in the Continental Army as a drummer in 1776. He later enlisted as a Sergeant in the New Jersey Militia and served in this position for the remainder of the war. During his time in the army, Sergeant Woodruff fought in the battles of Elizabethtown, Springfield, and at Acquacvkanock. He died in Pittsfield Township, Michigan in 1837 at the age of 92.

Corporal Josiah Cutler was a native of Brookfield, Massachusetts. Beginning in 1778, he served for four years and 10 months in the Continental Army until he was honorably discharged in 1784. While enlisted, Corporal Cutler fought at Battle of Kingsbridge and stormed the redoubt at Yorktown under General Lafayette. In 1840, at age 78, Cutler moved to Pittsfield Township, Michigan where he died a couple months later.

Both Sergeant Benjamin Woodruff and Corporal Josiah Cutler are remembered for their honorable military service and dedication to our nation. They are just a few of the native and adopted Michiganders who fought for our country during the revolution. It is important for us to honor the veterans of community who fought for the freedom of our nation, a value we continue to hold dear today. There is no better moment to recognize these veterans than on the upcoming anniversary of our nation. We are thankful for the path these soldiers laid out for past, present, and future Americans over two centuries ago.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the honorable men Sergeant Benjamin Woodruff and Corporal Josiah Cutler as they are memorialized in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We join with Americans everywhere in extending our thanks to the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for their work remembering these important men. Today and every day, we honor the brave patriots we lost in the fight for our independence. We are grateful for their military service and their willingness to fight for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.

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