VFW Post Ceremony Paid Tribute To ‘True American Heroes’

By Shannon Hicks

A formal ceremony that began at 11:11 Tuesday morning once again paid honor to all veterans, living and deceased, from Newtown and beyond.

Newtown’s VFW Post hosted its traditional Veterans’ Day ceremony on November 11, with more than 50 people taking time out of their day to pay their respect to the men and women of all military branches. Led by past VFW Commander Donald Monckton, the 30-minute ceremony included remarks from First Selectman Joe Borst, remarks and prayers led by Mr Monckton, The Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps” to conclude the gathering.

A lone chair draped with a black and white POW*MIA banner was placed in the center of the space between the podium and the seating area for the morning’s guests. A four-man rifle squad was stationed to the far right of the podium, five men were standing at attention to the right of the podium representing officers and the men’s auxiliary of the VFW, and to the left of the stand were five members of the post’s ladies’ auxiliary.

Approximately 55 people attended the event, which was held outdoors under blue skies accompanied by light breezes that kept all of the post’s flags snapping in the air.

“Please remember not only the veterans who are still alive, but also those who have passed away, especially those from World War II whose ranks are thinning every day,” said Donald Monckton in his opening remarks. “If not for them we would not be here today.”

First Selectman Borst, a World War II veteran, said he was proud to be involved in Veterans’ Day events.

“I am very proud to be a member of The Greatest Generation,” said the first selectman, who had selected two poems to include in his remarks. Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees” and Joanna Fuchs’s “They Did Their Share,” said Mr Borst, helped him pay honor to his father, and all others, who served in World War I.

The VFW ceremony was the third for Mr Borst that morning, who had opened his day with a gathering at The Homesteads and then attended the dedication of the newest memorial stone at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument (see related story).

“It’s a heart rendering time, and a privilege, for me to be involved in something like this,” Mr Borst said before leaving the podium.

Don Monckton recalled the reason for observing Veterans’ Day, and reminded those gathered that “all veterans do not want to die, but all are willing to if need be. Too many people today,” he said, “do not understand this kind of honor. There is a lot more to military life than what is seen on TV or in the movies. It’s not too glamorous.

“This country must support our troops, even if we don’t agree with politics,” he continued. “These are the people who have given us freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

“Not only today but every day, when you see a veteran, young or old, walk up to them and let them know you are proud of them and appreciate our freedoms. Our country’s veterans are, and always will be, true American heroes.”

Attendees stood while “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played, and then Mr Monckton invited every veteran who was at the ceremony to step forward. He then took a few moments to shake the hands of each of the 16 men and women who responded to the invitation.

“Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all men and women who offer their services on land, sea, and air,” Mr Monckton then said before leading a prayer. “They have made us their debtors and because of them, our flag still flies over a land of free people.”

Rich Monckton laid a wreath on the tombstone outside the post that honors all fallen comrades. Roger Sperling, the post’s Junior Commander, then placed a rose at the foot of the tombstone, as did Jack Metcalf on behalf of the VFW’s men’s auxiliary and Joyce Staudinger for the ladies’ auxiliary.

Leo Léger, J.R. Metcalf, Chris Paquin, and Rick Shuttleworth offered a rifle salute, and then Thomas Monckton played “Taps.” One more prayer by Donald Monckton concluded the ceremony, which was brief, but moving.