Honoring Those

Who Have Died In Service

By Nancy K. Crevier

Flanked by members of the men’s and women’s auxiliaries and members of the Charles Howard Peck Sr and Jr Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308 and those of the George A Powell Sr American Legion, past post commander Don Monckton took to the podium beneath sunny skies Memorial Day, May 26, just outside of the VFW Club on Tinkerfield Road, to pay special honor to all of those who have served the United States in conflicts and wars on foreign soil.

In paying special tribute to those still surviving, he asked veterans present to step forward and be recognized, thanking them for their service to the country. “We salute you,” said Commander Monckton, before turning over the ceremony to Newtown First Selectman Joe Borst.

In brief remarks, Mr Borst asked all present to “Bow your heads, hand over hearts, while I read the numbers of those who have died” in wars on American and foreign land. Since the Revolutionary War, 804,681 Americans have sacrificed their lives, “So that we all can enjoy and live the lives we do today,” Mr Borst reminded the solemn crowd.

“There have always been those willing to fight and die for our freedoms,” said Commander Monckton in remarks following those of Mr Borst’s. “We take that for granted. By honoring our war dead, we preserve their memory.”

Visibly choked up, Commander Monckton, the father of three sons in the armed services, recounted a moment this spring when he and his wife, driving through a town in South Carolina, saw a car with three stickers. One was for the Marine Corps; one was for the Army; and one, he said, was a Blue Star Flag. When he saw that the Blue Star Flag contained not only one blue star denoting that this family had a family member in active service, but also a gold star, he “teared up. This family had lost a child to the war.”

“With three sons serving, I’ve often wondered what I would do [if one were to die],” said Commander Monckton. “When you see a Blue Star Flag, recognize the parents’ pride, and realize the constant fear that that blue star will become gold,” he counseled.

Reading the names of Newtown families who have lost family members to wars, Commander Monckton said, “These are Newtown heroes who lost their lives in a sacrifice for freedom.”

A gun salute followed by “Taps,” and the laying of a wreath and flowers by members of the American Legion and VFW at a commemorative marker ended the ceremony.

In closing, Commander Monckton asked those present to do two things in the upcoming week. Visit the gravesites of fallen soldiers and silently thank them, he requested. “And reach out and shake the hand of a young soldier, an old soldier, and tell them you care. Say thank you.”