By Emily Schopfer
RUMSON – At the borough’s Flag Day celebration June 14, officials unveiled a life-size bronze statue of a Continental Army solider overlooking the Navesink River at Victory Park.
“Today is a special day for our borough and a proud moment in Rumson’s history,” said Sarah Pomphrey, chair of RumsonAmerica250 committee and a member of the Rumson Borough Council. “As we gather beneath the Stars and Stripes to celebrate Flag Day, we also come together to dedicate a lasting tribute to the men and women whose courage and sacrifice helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” Pomphrey said at the event.
The statue is the work of Colorado-based artist Sutton Betti, who is experienced in creating military sculptures. Betti’s work honors “the heroes of our American military, political and civic leaders, historical figures, U.S. presidents, businessmen and athletes through life-like, realistic bronze sculpture. My sculptures are a reflection of my love for the past and my appreciation for the present,” according to his website.
The RumsonAmerica250 Committee announced the commissioning of Betti in February. The unveiling was part of the borough’s annual Flag Day Community Event, hosted this year by the RumsonAmerica250 Committee. The afternoon was filled with family-friendly activities, military reenactments, live music and more, in addition to the monumental reveal.
The $45,000 monument was funded entirely through sponsorships and donations of time, labor and money, according to the committee. The statue is encircled by six bronze plaques, including pages of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.
Five of the plaques were on rotation at various Rumson Borough schools but now have a permanent place in Victory Park alongside the solider.
The statue does not depict a real-life solider, but rather is a fictional depiction inspired by Revolutionary War-era soldiers.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, let this monument stand as a symbol of patriotism, service and unity – and as a reminder that the ideals established in 1776 remain as important today as ever,” Pomphrey said as she dedicated the monument. “Thank you all for being here and thank you for helping us honor the enduring spirit of America.”
The article originally appeared in the June 25 – July 1, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
