On Memorial Day, a crowd of veterans, state dignitaries and community members gathered under the pavilion on the grounds of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 308 to remember and pay their respects to the men and women who died while serving in the nation's armed forces. The Commemoration Ceremony took place at 11 am, on Monday, May 30.

Among those in attendance was Zach Miller, a 2007 Newtown High School graduate who was commissioned into the Marine Corps last November. Before the ceremony began, he explained he has been coming to the VFW on Memorial Day for three years.

"When I was first looking to commission, I came here because I felt an obligation to come and experience it," Mr Miller said. "It is a very solemn day. You'll hear this a lot: 'You can't have fun on Memorial Day.'

"But you can have fun," he added. "You just have to remember the heart of it and take a moment to reflect. I like to say, 'Have a safe and reflective holiday,' more so than anything else. It's important to just remember the meaning of the day."

US Navy veteran and VFW Post 308 Senior Vice Commander Jay Gill opened the ceremony with a veteran's prayer and salute to the American flag, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

First Selectman Pat Llodra addressed the audience from the podium.

"Today is a day for reconciliation, a day to come together, no matter one's views," she said. "It is a common gesture of respect for those who've fought and died to preserve and protect our rights and freedoms."

Ms Llodra described how at Arlington National Cemetery, and other locations nationwide, the American flag would change positions throughout the day.

At sunrise, flags are lowered to the half-staff position in remembrance of those who died. At noon, the flag is then raised up to full staff again.

She explained this last part is to "symbolize that those who are living will rise up, too, in order to continue the fight for liberty and justice for all."

Following Ms Llodra's speech, Jim Lewis, newly elected VFW Post 308 Commander, asked for veterans present to stand to be recognized, and he thanked them for their service.

He then asked for anyone who wished to honor the memory of a friend or loved one to stand and share whom the person was and how they served our country. Numerous people in attendance stood and spoke, many with emotion clear in their voices, about their departed veteran.

Mr Lewis said, "Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day to honor all those who have paid for our freedom with their lives, as a result of their military service for our country. No one enters the military knowing they will die for their country, but all know it could happen."

He asked all in attendance to remember to stop what they were doing at 3 pm, during a National Moment of Remembrance, to take time to remember the veterans who have died .

Mr Lewis recommended two ways people could pay tribute to veterans on Memorial Day.

"First and importantly, visit the gravesites of fallen soldiers and silently thank them for their service and sacrifice," he said.

"Second, reach out and shake the hand of a solider, a sailor, an airman, a marine, a coast guardsman - whether it is a young soldier in uniform or the old World War II vet," he continued. "Tell them you care, tell them you are grateful for their service for our country, tell them you are in awe of their bravery, tell them simply 'thank you.' In this way we will take the spirit of Memorial Day beyond the boundaries of just being another holiday."

Mr Lewis went on to publically recognize the dignitaries in attendance at the Commemoration Ceremony: State Senator Tony Hwang, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, State Representative J.P. Sredzinski, State Representative Dan Carter, and former VFW Post 308 Commander Donald Monckton.

The Commemoration Ceremony ended with the traditional laying of the wreath and red, white, and blue carnations over it. Mr Gill said the closing prayer, and then there was the playing of "Taps" by Men's Auxiliary member Robert Arnold.