That freedom and democracy matter to Newtown citizens was apparent this week, with a record breaking turnout of over 75 percent of eligible voters — not counting absentee ballots — going to the polls on November 6 for midterm elections. Our freedom is ensured through the dedication of the troops in our armed forces in past and present conflicts and daily attention to duty. We praise our veterans, particularly this time of year, including at last, Vietnam veterans.

For many Vietnam veterans, homecoming was bittersweet. The respect and admiration that troops of other wartimes had received was subdued or absent. A national outreach commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war, proclaimed as May 28, 2012 through November 11, 2025, now recognizes men and women overlooked for their service during the Vietnam war. Recently, former Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty was in Newtown to bestow the long-delayed accolade to three area Vietnam veterans; other active duty troops of that era will be sought through November 11, 2025 for this belated honor.

More than nine million military personnel served worldwide during the Vietnam era, of which — records vary, depending on which database one searches — between 2.7 million and 3.1 million served “in country” between August 1964 and March 1973. US troops suffered approximately 58,220 casualties (612 from Connecticut) in the war, with tens of thousands wounded. 1,611 Americans are still unaccounted for, as of 2017, from the Vietnam war.

It is to be commended that veterans of an unpopular war are finally honored for having answered a call to duty.

In Newtown, we rally to assist all veterans and active duty personnel.

Care packages make deployment far from home a little more bearable. Our efforts have sent socks to troops, collected toiletries and treats, and donated DVDs and other recreational games and devices to help pass downtime in far-off venues. Valentines for Troops sends handcrafted cards and goodies to troops for the February 14 holiday, enabling youngsters to reach out in a truly “heartfelt” way.

Students learn about the wars, the people who fought them, and the valor of those currently serving during educational programs at our schools. Veterans and their families are celebrated through school programs.

The Beautiful Baby contest, organized by Sandy Hook resident Lois Barber each year, raises money to help build homes for disabled veterans in our state.

Veterans find camaraderie at the VFW Post 308 club in town and through the American Legion Post 202.

Those wounded or injured in ways that affect daily living find help from charities that focus on the aspects of living.

On Veterans Day, every citizen of our country is invited to reflect upon the sacrifices made by veterans, whether or not we agree with the battles they have been ordered to fight. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause to honor veterans, past and present. A ceremony for the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day takes place at the VFW Post 308 on Freedom Defenders Way (18 Tinkerfield Road) off of Wasserman Way, Sunday, November 11, at 11 am.

Offering a simple thank you to a vet or supporting charities that give hope to veterans returned to civilian life shows respect for those who may feel unappreciated.

We thank the men and women who have served.