Date: Fri 24-May-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

edink-Memorial-Day

Full Text:

Honor And Remembrance

A friend recently asked what was the date and time for the big parade in

Newtown this weekend. Although he was obviously confusing the approaching

holiday and Labor Day, his question did lend some significance and importance

to a day which is becoming less meaningful.

For most of us, Memorial Day is a guidepost for planting gardens without fear

of frost, a weekend set aside for picnics with extended families, and the time

for parents to brace themselves for the return of college students. The day

seems to have little to do with its raison d'etre - remembering war dead.

Fortunately, American men and women are not currently dying in combat, but

with the relative peace of our foreign relations has come a diminution of the

fervor with which we honor those who have died defending the ideals we share.

People like James M. Beers, Natalie Eaton, Hiram Fisk, Leopold Trudeau, George

Hawley, and Newton Williams, Jr - our former neighbors in Newtown. Is it that

easy to forget?

The role of the our armed forces has slowly changed over the years from that

of aggressor to peacekeeper. This shift in philosophy does not, however,

guarantee that the young men and women who serve our country will not become

casualties of war. Those serving as peacekeepers in Bosnia right now are at

risk every day.

Newtown's VFW Post 308 and American Legion Post 202 conduct a memorial

ceremony each year at the Sailors' and Soldiers' Monument, followed by a short

parade from the monument to Town Hall South. In recent years, the half hour

event has been poorly attended. There are no balloons or hot dog vendors at

this event - and even the Newtown High School Band can't draw a crowd to the

event. How can something that embodies so much pride become the object of such

neglect?

These words are carved into the monument:

Newtown Remembers

with grateful prayers and solemn vows

her sacred dead her honored living

who ventured all unto death

that we might live

a republic with independence

a nation with union forever

a world with righteousness and peace for all.

Will Newtown let the memory fade?

This year's ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, at 11 am. First

Selectman Bob Cascella and State Representative Julia Wasserman will offer a

few words, and the band will play selections, including "The Star Spangled

Banner." Veteran's are invited to march in the parade.

Help make the Memorial Day ceremony an important part of our town's tradition,

and be proud of those who honored us.