Newtown High School, the Town of Newtown, and American Legion Post 202 hosted a Veterans Day event at Newtown Senior Center on November 11. All those who attended were able to tune in to the speakers and music from their parked cars.

NHS typically hosts a Veterans Day luncheon and ceremony but, due to the pandemic, instead co-hosted the event outside of the Newtown Senior Center at 8 Simpson Street.

The NHS music department offered recorded performances for the event, and the day’s speakers spoke into a microphone near the main entrance for Newtown Senior Center so that their voices would be broadcast to car radios. Complimentary boxed lunches were offered for those who attended.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said that while he was not used to speaking at a “drive-in,” he was glad the Veterans Day event could be held.

Along with Rosenthal, other speakers for the event included NHS Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco, Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue, Newtown Community Center Executive Director Matt Ariniello, and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. American Legion Post 202 District Commander Nicholas Cabral was the guest speaker for the event.

Reed Intermediate School sixth grade student Sophie V. Hull was also announced as this year’s Constitutional Quill essay contest winner at the event.

When addressing the crowd in parked cars, Cabral asked those listening to support veterans’ organizations and urged veterans to join such organizations.

“Thank you will never be enough,” Longobucco said when she spoke. Later she added, “We salute you today and every day.”