VFW Post 308 Program Honored Veterans

By Nancy K. Crevier

A cold and windy day did not deter a large audience from gathering at Newtown’s VFW Post to honor veterans past and present, during a 45-minute ceremony on Friday, November 11, Veterans Day 2011.

Army veteran Sergeant Don Monckton thanked all of those present, which included the A-Purple eighth grade cluster from Newtown Middle School, for honoring local and countrywide veterans. Present at the program, Sgt Monckton noted, were veterans ranging from World War II through those serving in the present Global War on Terrorism.

“It is overwhelming, the number who are present here today,” said Sgt Monckton.

Sgt Monckton also apologized for sound system problems that forced speakers Friday morning to shout over the sounds of vehicles passing by on nearby Wasserman Way, as he called forward all veterans present at the Friday program. A full minute of applause greeted the veterans.

Speaking next was Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, who noted that by the time the Armistice was announced on November 11, 1918, ending World War I, 4,734,991 service members worldwide had been involved in the war, taking thousands upon thousands of lives.

“Death took its toll right up till the last tick of the clock,” said Mrs Llodra, when the last soldier killed in action, Supply Sergeant Henry Gunther of Maryland, died at 10:59 am.

Fast forwarding to August 6, 2011, in Afghanistan, said Mrs Llodra, 30 troops suddenly died under attack, including 31-year-old Navy Seal Brian Bill of Stamford. It is soldiers like Gunther and Bill, who step out of their lives, that allow other Americans the freedoms enjoyed, said Mrs Llodra.

“What I wonder,” Mrs Llodra said, “is how would Sgt Gunther and Chief Petty Officer Bill turned out, had they lived? Would Sgt Gunther have fathered a son or daughter who would have found the cure for polio? Would Brian have become the astronaut he wanted to be?”

The death of Seal Brian Bill, whose family requested a Newtown flag be buried with him, brought home to her, said Mrs Llodra, the reality of war.

“When we put a name on a soldier, they become real people. Our privileges and opportunities are protected by soldiers like Brian Bill,” she reminded all of those present.

VFW 308 Post Commander Dan Kearns, chief petty officer, Navy Seabees, took a moment to thank all of the veterans, friends, and families present, before once again turning over the program to Sgt Monckton.

It was 42 years ago that he was inducted into service, shared Sgt Monckton. “It was a new beginning for me,” he said, but at the time, he did not understand why his father, a World War II veteran, could not bring himself to be there and watch him get on the bus to leave.

“He knew what soldiers have to do,” said Sgt Monckton, who came to understand that much later, when he watched his own children go off to war.

Among the many attributes of a soldier, he said, what he or she must do is to protect the innocent and weak against tyranny, wherever they are needed.

Serving during the era known as the Cold War, said Sgt Monckton, he is aware of the many conflicts in which the US has been involved, but of which many Americans remain unaware. The Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as 20 or so forgotten military conflicts during which soldiers lost lives, took place during the Cold War era, he noted. It was following the Korean and Vietnam Wars that veterans withdrew, feeling that there was a stigma attached to having served, and it was when Sgt Monckton first led a Veterans Day ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Main Street, 20 years ago, that he truly became aware of soldiers’ needs and made a pledge that they would not be forgotten. Sgt Monckton said he is pleased that in recent years, American veterans are now honored again and that Americans are aware of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

“My message to veterans here today,” said Sgt Monckton, “is: Be proud of your service. You sacrificed so everyone else can be free.

“It is the common soldier who ends wars and fights to keep the peace,” he reminded the audience. “Without them, we would not be here today. We are indebted to all veterans, who place their everyday lives on hold. Let us pay tribute today and make a personal commitment to reach out and shake the hand of a veteran today. The expression of your respect is appreciated,” he assured the gathering.

A benediction was offered by Army National Guard Sergeant Richard Monckton (Retired), followed by the placing of tributes in remembrance of fallen comrades on the memorial monument at the VFW.

A rifle salute by the VFW Post 308 Color Guard and “Taps,” played by Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Jay Gill, concluded the ceremony.