A sampling of Newtown’s population gathered on the grounds of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308, Freedom Defenders Way, Monday morning, May 25, to honor the memories of service men and women who have died, as well as to recognize the service of current troops.

In the crowd were a number of veterans from earlier wars: Vietnam, Korea, and World War II, as well as from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It means quite a bit to be here today,” said World War II Army veteran Mike Lucas, tearing up a bit. “Also, it’s the fact that they said there wouldn’t be any more wars after World War I and II. We’ve lost a lot of men after that, though. I’m here,” he said, “to pay my respects.”

Ray Peterson, a US Navy veteran of the war in Vietnam, said that Memorial Day, to him, was a time to remember the men and women who died in service to the United States. He has two nephews who have served in the Marines and Air Force in Afghanistan and Baghdad, he said, with one still in the service.

With Vietnam veteran Flip Archard, who served as a captain in the Army, was his wife, Knettie. “We’re here to pay tribute to those who served and the friends we lost,” said Ms Archard.

“We don’t think of them often enough,” rued Mr Archard.

P.J. Kiely said that while he had not served in the armed forces, attending the Memorial Day service was important. “I admire these guys and everything they do,” Mr Kiely said.

Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and J.P. Sredzinski were also in attendance at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Outgoing VFW Post Commander James Rebman offered the opening prayer, following the singing of the National Anthem by Ladies Auxiliary member Jen Clark. “Strengthen all members of the US armed forces… In time of peace may they serve with dignity and honor…,” prayed Commander Rebman.

Jim Lewis, VFW Post quartermaster then asked that all veterans present stand and be recognized, thanking them for their service and sacrifices. Memorial Day, Mr Lewis reminded the crowd, is a day of remembrance, “so all can enjoy the freedoms we know.”

Quoting President Abraham Lincoln, Mr Lewis said, “A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

He then invited those present to share the names of friends and relatives lost in service to this country, followed by a moment of silence.

“God bless our fallen heroes,” Mr Lewis closed his remarks, turning over the podium to Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra.

Mrs Llodra reflected on the names of soldiers she has highlighted in Memorial Day speeches of past years, including the last person killed in World War I, Henry Gunther, and New Fairfield native Staff Sergeant Todd LoBraico, who died in Afghanistan in 2013.

“This year,” said Mrs Llodra, “I add the name of Laurie Ann Piestewa, the first American Indian to be killed.” The young soldier and mother of two died in Iraq, in 2003, she said.

One million men and women have died in war since this country was founded, Mrs Llodra said. “The stories I tell typify those tragedies,” she added.

In these days, when many are confused by the wars being fought, “These soldiers do not have our luxury of questioning why they are there,” she said, but are duty bound. “It is imperative we not forget those who fight on every day for our country’s freedom,” Mrs Llodra said.

She asked that all pause from Memorial Day activities at 3 pm, to reflect on those whose stories she has told and offer a prayer of thanks.

“Let us not forget our debt to those brave soldiers of the past,” she said in closing.

The day’s solemn ceremony ended with the traditional laying of a wreath and red, white, and blue carnations at the headstone commemorating fallen soldiers, “Wherever Your Mortal Remains May Rest,” followed by a gun salute and the playing of Taps.