On Saturday, May 24, American Legion Post 202 will hold its annual Memorial Day Weekend observance at the Liberty and Peace Monument, at the intersection of Main Street at Schoolhouse and Hanover roads.

The observance will begin at 5 pm.

Limited parking will be available along Main Street. Additional parking is also available at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, south of the monument.

Music will be performed by the Newtown HS Tri-M Club under the direction of Newtown HS Band Director Elizabeth Dandeneau. The ceremony will begin at 5 pm sharp with the playing of “Taps” by a Newtown High School Band student. Music will also include the national anthem, “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Opening remarks will be given by US Army Major Robert Payne III, American Legion Junior Vice Commander.

Members of the American Legion Family also participating in the ceremony are James O. Gaston, Esq, State Representative Martin Foncello Jr (Lieutenant Colonel US Army-Retired), State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Barbara R. Carlson, Donald Ramsey, Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci, Newtown Selectman Michelle Embree Ku, and Brookfield Selectwoman Tara Carr (Lieutenant Colonel US Army-Retired).

Poppies will be given out by Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion including Annabella Carr, Angelina Carr, Gabriella Payne, Alexa Kwarcinski, and others.

American Legion Post 202 is offering luminaries for a $5 donation. Luminaries can be dedicated to a veteran or a loved one, for example, “In Memory of SSG John Smith, US Army, WWII” or with a message such as “Thank you for your Service.”

Luminaries will be available at pop-up locations around town on weekends prior to Memorial Day. They can also be requested via email at AmericanLegionNewtown@gmail.com or by calling 203-577-9568. Luminaries will be lit each evening that weekend with the first lighting on Saturday after the ceremony.

All are invited to attend the observance. Attendees do not need to be related to someone in the military to express thanks for those who “gave all” for our country.