A memorial monument to those who died in service to this country was dedicated at the Veteran's Memorial Park in 1964. A year later Frank Litto designed an eagle sculpture that stands poised atop the monument, a fitting symbol of the patriotism it took to make the "supreme sacrifice" as it is inscribed on the memorial. From Revolutionary War times to the desert war in the Persian Gulf, the men and women of Bethlehem have served well.

There are many stories about the wars. It was rumored during the Revolutionary War that there was a Tory camp along the banks of the Vloman Kill. However, many patriots like Francis Nicoll and Frederick Britt joined the other side. Conrad Soop and David Niver were present when the British Burgoyne surrendered at Stillwater. During the War of 1812, Solomon Van Rensselaer was a major general of the New York State militia. His Cherry Hill estate was then within the borders of the town. Some 149 people served in the Civil War while back home troops were training in a Bethlehem encampment (the Haswell farm) called "Camp Morgan".

Another Niver died with Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. During the Spanish-American War there was a "battle" of Slingerlands. The objective of the military exercise, believe it or not, was to save a load of beer. Former town historian Thomas E. Mulligan, Jr. was a WWII prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III, which was liberated by General Patton.