On the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Newtown Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 308 hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11, at 11 am.

Following with tradition, VFW Post 308 Senior Vice Commander Paul Galietti led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Northwest Idol winner Brianna Smith of Torrington sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

VFW member Mike Mich gave the opening prayer, with heads bowed, and included a special moment of silence for all departed comrades, those missing in action, and those held as prisoners of war.

Following the prayer, Mr Galietti gave a brief history of why Americans celebrate Veterans Day, citing it back to its origins as Armistice Day.

“[World War I] was coined ‘The War To End All Wars,’ and unfortunately, that did not come to fruition,” he said.

He asked all veterans in attendance to raise their hands to be recognized for bravely defending our country’s great freedom. He then requested all the family members of veterans raise their hands, too, and be acknowledged for being heroes of the home front.

“War is a grotesque evil, perpetuated by human beings against one another. However, it is also a necessary tool that prevents our enemies from taking away our freedom,” Mr Galietti continued. “I pray that someday, the human race evolves into a culture without war. May our children see a world that is focused on love and compassion.”

Among those in attendance at the VFW Veterans Day Ceremony were also distinguished guests Newtown First Selectmen Dan Rosenthal and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky.

Mr Rosenthal, whose father and grandfather both served in the military, began his remarks by thanking the service men and women for their past, present, and future personal sacrifice. He then spoke of his good friend Duke, whom he met at Fairfield University, to shine light on the contribution of immigrants to the nation.

He explained that Duke was born in Vietnam and came to America by boat with his aunt.

“Duke always felt being able to come to the US was a true gift,” Mr Rosenthal said. “When we were graduating, he really wanted to serve our country, so he applied for the military.”

Not only was Mr Rosenthal’s friend accepted into the very exclusive cryptology program, but he served 12 years of active duty.

Mr Bolinsky shared with the crowd what Veterans Days is about and how freedom is not free.

“It’s a day we are supposed to look into the eyes of all the veterans still with us, and those yet to come, and say, ‘Thank you for your honorable service to this great nation,’” he said. “I want to acknowledge and appreciate every person here for their service and sacrifice, whether you are a family member of a veteran, a veteran, or are thinking about enlisting in the service — you are defending our way of life… you are the life force behind the freedoms we hold dear.”

Mr Bolinsky ended by saying, “God bless America, God bless our heroes, and God bless you.”

To conclude the Veterans Day Ceremony, members of the VFW Auxiliary Mike Mich, Deanna Cocivi, Bill Clark, and Lorraine Frampton, respectively, laid the commemorative wreath and red, white, and blue flowers on the veterans’ memorial stone before VFW member John Guglielmi played Taps.

“Thank you,” Mr Galietti said looking out to the crowd. “And may God bless you all.”