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11/06/2019 08:01 AMIn anticipation of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, the town of North Haven with the American Legion Post 76 will hold a ceremony honoring veterans on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.
Bagpipers will lead a procession of veterans, dignitaries, and state and local officials from the American Legion Post 76 across Church Street to the War Memorial on the Town Green at that time.
State Senator Len Fasano (R-34), who plans to attend, said, “Freedom is never free. The liberties we enjoy today would not be possible without the selflessness and the sacrifices of our service men and women and every risk, task and mission they completed to help others. It’s important to remember that reality every day, and on Veterans Day especially.”
Originally called Armistice Day to recognize the peace agreement signed by the Allies of World War I, this day of remembrance “brings back the comradery of those service people we served with. It brings back memories and honors those still serving,” said Post 76 Commander Robert Maturo.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will include a wreath-laying at the memorial, patriotic songs from the Yale University Baroque group, remarks from local and state officials, and a rendition of the national anthem, among other tributes.
Although town offices and schools will be closed on Nov. 11, schools throughout the district are scheduling events and inviting speakers to honor veterans during the first and second weeks of November.
One example includes an annual veterans luncheon at Montowese Elementary School that is coordinated by Donna Malley, a retired secretary. While veteran’s programming has been ongoing at the school for the past 16 years, the luncheon has been held for the past 11, according to Montowese Elementary School 5th grade teacher Corki Cuomo.
The school has hosted 20 to 50 veterans for the luncheon each year since its inception.
“Classroom teachers specify to students that veterans are an important part of our country’s morale and culture,” said Cuomo. “We recognize and provide a luncheon each year to thank them for their patriotism and for keeping us safe and free.”
After the luncheon, veterans visit the upper grades at the school to speak with students about their time in the military.
State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87), who plans to attend, said, “It’s important to recognize veterans. They are the men or women who volunteer on their own basis with the knowledge that anything could happen.”
He added, “the person signs up, not getting paid a lot, but representing our country. These folks step up.”
Yaccarino, who served in the United State Navy Reserve and is also a member of the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said of veterans, “statewide, both Democrats and Republicans, we need to do as much as we can for them.”
For more information about the ceremony on Nov. 10 in North Haven, call the Office of the First Selectman at 203-239-5321 ext. 680.