Newtown Pauses In

Tribute To Veterans

By Kendra Bobowick

Some stood at attention while others dabbed their eyes. Several held small bouquets of flowers in their clasped hands and waited for the Veterans’ Day ceremony to begin at 11:11 am on November 11.

“Our freedoms are because of our veterans,” said First Selectman Herb Rosenthal as he spoke to those gathered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW,  Post 308 on Tinkerfield Road. Korean veteran and State Representative Julia Wasserman shared an unusual insight regarding this year’s Veterans Day remembrance.

“I have got the feeling for the first time in years that people know what’s going on and how much veterans need our support,” she said.

Mr Rosenthal also spoke up for the men and women both past and current, who serve in the military. “They put their country before themselves,” he said. As the war in Iraq continues, many hope for the safe return of a brother or sister, a wife or husband, or  daughter or son, Mr Rosenthal adding, “Keep in your hearts and prayers those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.”

Past VFW commander Don Monckton, whose sons Richard and Thomas are now in Afghanistan, also spoke to the patriotic crowd and offered an insight into a side of veterans’ suffering that does not take place on a battlefield or in a military infirmary.

“Some vets feel guilty because they feel they didn’t contribute enough, but I have one thing I would like to say — all it takes is one person not to do what they did in history and it would change history,” he said. “Every veteran should be proud of everything they have done.” Maintaining the emotional note, he continued, “So long as two comrades survive, so long will we remember,” he said, describing the tribute “to our heroic dead.”

Quietly he looked at the family members and friends gathered outside the VFW hall who faced the customary cross placed on the lawn with a lost soldier’s helmet resting on top. Mr Monckton said, “Wherever a body of a comrade lies the ground is hallowed…this is a tribute to their service, to their patriotism, on land, sea and air, we’re their debtors.”

Chaplain Boyd Saxton offered a blessing saying, “We are grateful for those citizens, a unique group called veterans.” As members of the auxiliaries placed flowers at the foot of the cross, Mr Saxton said, “May every generation emulate the courage of those who fought for freedom.”

Included among those who fought was World War II Purple Heart recipient Alfred Green, Jr, who carried with him some of the memorabilia he acquired during his service.

Mr Monckton’s daughter-in-law, Catherine, who is married to Richard, stressed that the younger generation might consider joining the VFW. “It is such a support to them when they come home,” she said. The post may be perceived as an older tradition, but she urged the current veterans to become involved.