Outside VFW Post 308 on Tinkerfield Road in Newtown lies a stone laid to remember “Comrades in the silent land beyond,” reads part of its inscription.

Honoring fallen veterans, “Wherever your mortal remains may rest,” as the stone’s inscription continues, were VFW members and supporters Tuesday morning. “There the ground is hallowed,” finishes the message.

Placing a wreath and carnations at its base were VFW officers, who turned away with a salute.

The annual service, which began, per tradition, at 11 am on Veterans Day, celebrated Newtown’s veterans past and present. Those in attendance this week represented service spanning decades. For them, Post Commander James Rebman called for a round of applause. Soon, resident and Ladies Auxiliary member Jennifer Clark approached the microphone and sang the national anthem, while wind rippled through the American flag overhead. Around her neck hung a pendant with her son’s picture. Christopher Herod, 35, is a veteran living in Maryland.

“It’s why I do all this,” Ms Clark said.

With a prayer, veteran and post member Donna Monteleone said, “Bless them for sacrifices they made; we respect them and honor them.”

For those “whose lives were cut short and to the families carrying the burden for the ultimate cost of freedom,” Mr Rebman asked for a moment of silence.

First Selectman Pat Llodra spoke of the “willingness to serve” by veterans. She also spoke of challenges both the town and the state face in caring for its veterans. She searches for ways, she said, “to honor our veterans and find ways to say we value you, we honor you.”

Mrs Llodra also wanted to honor one person in particular, a Blue Star Mother, Ladies Auxiliary member, and a “driving force,” behind many efforts, including the veterans mural now hanging at Newtown Municipal Center. She turned her attention to Laurie McCollum, who “spent tremendous energy honoring our veterans,” Mrs Llodra said. After months of fundraising and coordinating the names of those who have served, and with the careful hand of artist David Merrill, a large mural covers the wall in a main hallway of the town’s administrative center.

Soon, one solitary voice drew attention, then another, and another. Post members and each veteran present announced their names and service records. Mr Rebman again asked for applause, “for our heroes.” Honor Guard President Rob Arnold next welcomed his father to the post. Robert Arnold Sr soon accepted his membership card and a challenge coin from his son.

As brief speeches of recognition ended and veterans who had been standing in a front row took their seats, the sound of a lone bugle closed ceremonies.