UPDATE: SEE NEW VENUE INFORMATION IN STORY POSTED NOVEMBER 5, 2020. EVENT NOW TAKES PLACE AS DRIVE-IN AT NEWTOWN SENIOR CENTER.

With COVID-19 impacting everyone in their everyday life, Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, will also be different this year, as visitors will not be allowed into Newtown schools. However, the Town of Newtown and Newtown High School are collaborating to present a celebration for veterans.

The 2nd Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG), 4 Wildlife Drive, across from Reed Intermediate School, has opened their doors for the event, which will begin at 1 pm.

The Newtown High School Music Department will perform patriotic songs. The chamber choir will sing the national anthem and “America the Beautiful,” and NHS Wind Ensemble will perform a special patriotic medley arranged by a student musician.

American Legion Post 202 District Commander Nicholas Cabral will be the guest speaker. He will show a commemorative video created for the day of Newtown veterans “as they were” when they served the country in uniform. First Selectman Dan Rosenthal will also be a special guest speaker.

The Newtown HS culinary classes will prepare a box lunch for veterans.

An RSVP for the event is required; an accurate head count is necessary for the lunch preparation.

All Newtown veterans are invited to come celebrate. The building is not heated, so please wear appropriate attire. All COVID-19 precautions will be taken. Chairs will be socially distanced. Attendees must wear personal face protection. Masks will be available for those who do not bring one. Hand sanitizer will be available.

There is ample parking. Please do not arrive before 12:30 pm, as the Reed School buses will be leaving and use the same access road.

RSVP to americanlegionnewtown@gmail.com or call 203-577-9568 as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday, November 4.