Rochambeau Memorial Monument

March 2025 – Choosing the Pose

What do you get when you put a bunch of history buffs together in a room to make a decision on a memorial?

If you guessed “an intense discussion featuring deep dives into 18th-century minutiae, artistic interpretations, and an unexpected reference to The Thinker,” you’d be on the right track. The Rochambeau Monument Committee has been hard at work refining the next critical element of Middlebury’s forthcoming tribute to the French general’s march: the pose of the foot soldier who will stand in Meadowview Park.

This decision has been anything but simple. As committee member Ray Sullivan, historian and author of Breakneck, put it, “We’re not just choosing a pose—we’re choosing the story this monument will tell.” Indeed, the figure must encapsulate not just a moment in time, but the spirit of the soldiers who made the arduous journey alongside Rochambeau.

The initial deliberation focused on whether to depict General Rochambeau himself or a common foot soldier. That decision was settled in favor of the soldier—his presence a tribute to the endurance and sacrifice of the troops who marched through Connecticut on their way to Yorktown. But now, with three artistic renderings in hand, the committee is engaged in an equally spirited debate over which stance best conveys that legacy.

Tony Falcone, the renowned sculptor behind the project, has provided three distinct interpretations, each evoking a different mood and historical emphasis. “The challenge is balancing historical accuracy with artistic expression,” Falcone noted during the discussion. His work will ensure that the final sculpture is not just a statue but a storytelling piece that draws visitors into the Revolutionary War experience.

To ensure that accuracy, the committee has relied on the expertise of Don Troiani, one of the foremost artists of military history, and historian Ray Sullivan. Their insights have guided the committee in assessing elements such as the proper tilt of a tricorn hat, the way a musket was carried on a long march, and the distinct differences in uniform between a French and an American soldier of the period. “We can’t afford to let this become an anachronism,” Ray Sullivan cautioned. “People expect precision when it comes to historical monuments.” He emphasized the importance of details, adding, “Every element—down to the stitching on the uniform—tells a story. We need to get it right.”

The sketches currently under review each present the soldier in a unique way. One captures him in a classic “minute man” stance, embodying readiness and resolve. Another shows him seated on a rock, resting from the march—a moment of quiet reflection. The third portrays him pausing with one foot on a rock, sipping from his canteen, a nod to the long journey endured by the troops. While committee members have their preferences, the final decision remains open, awaiting refined sketches and further input from the team.

While the exact pose remains undecided, one thing is certain: the monument will stand as a powerful tribute to those who marched through Middlebury nearly 250 years ago. And for those who want to learn more, there will be an opportunity for the public to “Meet the Sculptor” on May 8. It’s a chance to hear directly from Tony Falcone about his process—and maybe even get a hint of what the final pose will be!