The following letter was received for publication on Memorial Day.

To the Editor:

Yesterday I visited one of the most impressive sites — it was the Newtown War Memorial on Main Street.

It’s a very special monument that honors Americans who have served in the military. It’s special for two reasons: first, it honors in most cases individuals by name, and secondly, it covers multiple wars throughout our history.

When I decided to take a drive to see how Newtown honors its veterans, I drove past cemeteries and traffic islands that had flags on display. This alone is quite impressive, but stay tuned for more.

I wish to thank all the veterans and people responsible for the display at the War Memorial. The time and effort spent creating and placing hundreds of [luminaries] at the site was outstanding. Each one had an attached label honoring an individual or group that has served the country, and inside was a small light for dusk to dawn illumination.

I don’t get emotional often, but this was one case. People are so often proud of their country and their towns for less than stellar reasons.

Newtown has suffered tragedy and responded in so many great and productive ways, and the display at the War Memorial is another example. I hope we have an equally impressive and appropriate tribute on December 14, 2022.

With love to Newtown,

John Doern

Newtown