Memorial Day Ceremonies––

Newtown Stops To Remember Its War Dead

By Jan Howard

Memorial Day is for remembrance of all those who have lost their lives in service to their country. On May 24, Newtown honored those who have fallen in all America’s wars during Memorial Services at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall on Tinkerfield Road, sponsored by the Charles Howard Peck Sr and Jr Eric G. Blantin Post 308, VFW, and George A. Powel American Legion Post 202.

In a Salute to the Troops, current members of the armed forces, families of servicemen and women, and men and women who previously served were also honored during the service, which took place under overcast skies.

High school sophomore Nicole Kaza sang the National Anthem, and the Rev Steve Gordon of the Newtown Congregational Church delivered the invocation and benediction.

Residents held American flags as Memorial Day speakers honored those who died in defense of their country and veterans from all wars, including the recent war in Iraq. They spoke of the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in all of this nation’s wars and of members of our volunteer services and National Guard today, who have left their homes and put their lives and plans on hold to serve their country. Some spoke of their own memories and experiences of Memorial Day, the recent war in Iraq, and larger global war against terrorism.

American Legion Post 202 Commander and Adjutant VFW Post 308 Don Monckton, a Vietnam veteran, welcomed the memorial service attendees and participants, voicing gratitude for the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

“I pray for the safe return of all those who serve throughout the world,” he said. He spoke of his son, United States Army Specialist Richard Monckton of the 250th engineers, whose National Guard unit had been called up as a result of the Iraq War. The unit was recently demobilized, and Spc Monckton returned to Newtown in time to attend the Memorial Day service with his family.

“This year I realized how difficult it was to see a son go into the service,” Mr Monckton said. He suggested that whenever anyone sees a person in uniform, to say thank you.

In addition to Mr Monckton, other speakers were Commander Boyd Saxton, Department of Connecticut, American Legion; First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, a Vietnam veteran; Representative Julia Wassermann, who was an Army captain during the Korean conflict; and William Cugno, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard.

Also participating were members of the HHC, 242nd Engineering Battalion and 250th Engineering Company (MGB) of the Connecticut National Guard, 2nd Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Cadets of the West Point Military Academy, Senior Girl Scout Troop 478, and Newtown High School Audio Visual Club, who provided music.

Members of the American Legion and VFW placed a wreath and floral tributes next to a white cross, which symbolized the graves of all those who died in the service of their country.

The service included a rifle salute by the 399th Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, and Newtown High School band member Vincent Ventelli played taps.

Committee members for the Memorial Day service were Mr Monckton, Mr Rosenthal, and resident Nancy Doniger.