Commemoration At The VFW Hall—

Newtown Salutes Soldiers Past And Present

By Nancy Crevier

More than 60 friends and family members of US veterans, past and present, members of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, and active duty members of the armed forces gathered for a salute to soldiers Saturday morning, May 28, at the VFW Hall on Tinkerfield Road. Beneath a warm spring sun Boyd Saxton, adjutant, welcomed the attendees, followed by an invocation by the Rev Mark Gross.

Newtown Police Officer Bean then relayed a brief history of Memorial Day, a day, he said, to honor all heroes from the municipal to national level.

Offering their solemn thoughts on the importance of recognizing those who have served the nation were Richard Andrews, the last surviving member of his World War II infantry unit, and Don Monckton, past American Legion and VFW commander. Not only physical, but also psychological pain, is endured by many service people in the armed forces, they told those present. They asked that veterans be remembered in prayer for the sacrifices they have made.

In a Memorial Day speech that departed from the usual accolades, Rep Julia Wasserman reminded the families of armed service members of the benefits to which they are entitled, while expressing her regret that the benefits are not as much as are needed. If service families are unsure of their benefits or think they may be entitled to benefits they are not receiving, Rep Wasserman urged them to write to her c/o Legislative Office Building, Room 4069, Hartford CT 06106, or contact her at Julia.Wasserman@housegop.state.ct.us.

 The audience listened intently as a roll call of the servicemen and women of Newtown serving in the armed forces was read by Gail Tamborino and Nancy Doniger. More than 50 Newtown armed forces soldiers currently serve our country.

A representative of Boy Scout Troop 70 then assisted Officer Bean, National Guardsmen, and District American Legion Commander Richard Olson in a 13-point flag folding ceremony. In this unofficial script for flag folding, often attributed to the Air Force Academy, each fold is representative of deep held beliefs that honor US service men and women:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing the ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”

In other flag folding ceremonies, the 13 folds are representative of the 13 Original Colonies, the triangle’s points representing three branches of government of the United States, the nation’s three primary documents (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), the West Point motto “Duty, Honor Country,” or as a salute to the three colors of the flag.

Following the flag ceremony, a wreath of flowers was laid in honor of those who have fallen in battle, defending our country.

NHS students Tyler Van Oy, Kayla Koschel, Amanda Eventoff, and Dan Morehouse led the audience in singing the National Anthem and “God Bless America” during the ceremony.

The service ended with a cannon salute under the orders of Commander Richard Olson, and “Taps,” played by NHS students Eddie Small and Nick Drabik.