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05/22/2019 08:00 AMOn Memorial Day, a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, the East Haven Veteran’s Council, in conjunction with Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., will once again honor those who died to protect our freedom.
The observance will feature a procession from the American Legion Post 89 on Thompson Avenue to the East Haven Green. The procession is scheduled to step off at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 27, Memorial Day. Club Corvette of Connecticut provide vehicles for veterans who choose to ride through its Vets in Vettes program. The High School in the Community Band will provide a program of patriotic music also beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the gazebo on the Town Green.
Beginning at noon, there will be remarks from Maturo and other dignitaries and the town will recognize James Edward Coady as this year’s honored vet.
Coady grew up in the Hill section of New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1965. He took pride in playing on the football team as quarterback and was the captain of the golf team. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began his military service at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas for basic training. He continued to tech school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi and Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas. His final stop in the states was Oklahoma City Air Force Station in Oklahoma, where he used his intelligence background at the radar station.
Coady was transferred to Da Nang, Vietnam in March 1968, where he was assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing working in the communications center. He was honorably discharged on April 1, 1969. After four years in the service, Coady was appointed to the New Haven Fire Department and spent 27 years serving the citizens of New Haven.
Although he is very proud of his military and professional accomplishments, his personal satisfaction and happiness came with marrying his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn, 53 years ago and raising their daughter, Jamie. The Coadys have been East Haven residents for more than 50 years. Coady continues to stay busy in his retirement, can still be seen on the golf course, and is very appreciative to his family, friends, and colleagues throughout his life.
Following remarks, the veterans, Color Guard, and guests will proceed to the war monuments and honors will be rendered. All are invited back to Post 89 for refreshments following the ceremonies.