Labor Day was an opportunity for the entire community to sit back and enjoy serving as the proud hosts to thousands of spectators, as well as hundreds of visiting elected officials, bands, Shriners, dancers, singers, and other participants, who weathered the heat and marched in the 2023 Labor Day Parade.

Our individual and collective trials and tribulations may come and go, but the tradition of our Labor Day Parade is an annual opportunity for Newtown to shine — and shine we did!

While this year’s parade judges and Grand Marshal Msgr Robert Weiss certainly had a super challenging job ranking the top units in the parade along with runners up in numerous categories, there was something uniquely special and jubilant offered by virtually everyone who took part in the march.

Whether it was long-time residents or first-time visitors on the sidelines watching, there had to be at least one participating unit, or two ... or ten, that left you saying, “I didn’t know about that.” One of the greatest community-building aspects of our parade is its ability to serve as a stage upon which so many of our volunteers, communities of faith, and our local agencies, businesses, and cultural arts organizations can share the spotlight.

It certainly may have been a little hotter than one would have liked, but as the last few units of this year’s parade rolled in front of the reviewing stands, we couldn’t help but to start looking forward — just for a few moments — to what next year’s Labor Day Parade might have in store.

Veterans Take Note

Since our Labor Day Parade also showcased or paid tribute to the selfless service of so many Veterans past and present, we’re adding a very special reminder for a select number of them about an important deadline that is approaching.

Those Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care during a special enrollment period.

This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits and; qualify for enhanced eligibility status, which means being placed in a higher priority group.

These Veterans have until 11:59 pm on September 30 to apply for VA health care. At the same time, other Veterans who deployed to combat zones and left service after October 1, 2013, can get free VA health care for service-related conditions for up to ten years following the latest discharge.

Veterans enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans. So, if you qualify, please consider taking advantage of this opportunity, because we want you to enjoy the best possible health outcomes for a long, long time.

It’s the least our country can do for you to show our collective appreciation for your service.

You are invited to apply for VA health care now at va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction. And you can also call the US Department of Veterans Affairs for 24/7 assistance at 800-698-2411.

Just don’t forget — that September 30 deadline will be here before you know it.