Date: Fri 14-Nov-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Veteran's-Day-Monckton

Full Text:

Newtown Honors The Nation's Veterans

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Local veterans made their annual pilgrimage to the Soldiers and Sailors

Monument on Main Street Tuesday morning to pay tribute to the men and women

who lost their lives in war.

The Veterans Day ceremony was put on by members of the Veterans of Foreign War

(VFW) Post 308 and the American Legion Post 202, both of Newtown. About two

dozen residents also assembled at the 40-foot monument, the town's focus for

remembrance of those who served in all wars.

During the ceremony, VFW past commander Donald Monckton asked that everyone

take a moment to remember the sacrifice veterans of all wars have made to

ensure that the American flag still flies over a nation of free people.

"Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed," he said.

"Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men -- an

expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, courage and patriotism."

Newtown High School trumpeters Conor Evans and Mike Rostafin helped set the

tone with their rendition of taps. The veterans paid their respects by placing

flowers and a wreath at the foot of the monument.

Veterans Day honors all Americans who served, including those who were

physically and emotionally disabled and those who remain missing in action.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "Those who have enjoyed such privileges as we

enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them."

Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of

World War I in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

However, the holiday was changed to Veterans Day during the Eisenhower

administration to celebrate veterans of all wars.