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11/06/2019 07:30 AMThe sounds of church steeple bells will echo once again over the East Haven Green at 11 a.m. during the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, to mark what is commonly described as “the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.”
“Tradition has it that the bells are rung 21 times to imitate a 21-gun salute,” said Thomas Collopy of the First Congregational Church in East Haven.
Originally named Armistice Day to recognize the peace agreement signed by the Allies of World War I at 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, Veterans Day commemorations in East Haven will begin at 10:45 a.m. when all veterans are invited to walk with town and state officials from the American Legion Post 89 Hall to the War Memorial on the Town Green.
The public is welcome to join this group at the War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony, rifle salute, and a rendering of “God Bless America,” among other tributes. Coffee will be offered to all attendees at the American Legion Post 89 following the ceremony.
“Freedom is never free,” said State Senator Len Fasano (R-34). “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.”
The annual Veterans Day ceremony is “a very small part of what we do for our veterans to show them respect for all of their sacrifices,” according to East Haven Assistant Director of Administration and Management Joseph Coppola.
One example includes awarding civil servant firefighter applicants who are veterans five points on entry level tests, according to East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli.
Marcarelli says that veterans are typically an asset to a fire house, “for a number of reasons including their ability to work within a paramilitary structure, physical ability, and courage. As chief, I am honored to have so many veterans working in my command.”
Current and former East Haven Fire Department members will again attend this year’s ceremony, as “we feel it is important because the town is very patriotic and has a long history of military service,” Marcarelli said. “Only recently we honored those townspeople that had Vietnam-era service and the [overall attendance] numbers were close to 400.”
A marker on the Town Green pays tribute to the single town resident lost during the Vietnam War.
The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in D.C., was displayed on the green in May 2005, thanks in large part to Vietnam veteran and East Haven Veteran’s Council Chair Jack Stacey.
A retired history teacher of 20 years, Stacey suggests that volunteering in the military, or in some way, would help Americans gain a greater connection to the country.
Stacey, who served in the United States Marine Corps, says, “Vietnam just happened to be my war and [service] was just supposed to be what you do.”
He added, “I have students that just don’t know the history of this country. They don’t have that feeling. Once you have been in the military, you have that respect for the flag and the military.”
To spread awareness and education, schools in the district are scheduling events and inviting speakers to honor veterans during the first and second week of November.
The PTO at Ferrara Elementary School is leading a card-making effort while Joseph Melillo Middle School (JMMS) is planning its first assembly to honor veterans on Thursday, Nov. 7.
“We are asking JMMS parents to reach out to family members and friends who have served our country in the military and invite them to our tribute,” JMMS Library Media Specialist Christine Farrales wrote in a letter to parents on the school web site. “Our goal is to personally thank these brave individuals for their service.”
The assembly will include a slide presentation detailing a brief history of each military branch based on student research and performances of patriotic songs by students, according to Farrales.
State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99), who sits on the state legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, plans to show his appreciation for veterans in East Haven on Nov. 11.
“Everybody knows that so many veterans are not with us anymore, they made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Zullo. “It is important to honor veterans.”
Zullo said the Veteran’s Affairs Committee has taken up several issues in recent years, such as increasing educational opportunities and medical resources for veterans.
“There have been some great initiatives. We can always do more,” he said. “You hate for funding to be a limitation when dealing with this important group.”
State Representative Roland Lemar (D-96) agreed, saying, “Our legislative veterans committee is tasked with improving support and assistance programs for our veterans, and we are committed to doing everything we can to listen to and consider all concerns to ensure they are treated with the consideration they deserve.”
Speeches from state officials will be a part of the ceremony on Nov. 11, including, as Stacey pointed out, one from outgoing Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., who served nine terms in that seat.
Stacey said it is the last time Mayor Maturo will address the gathering in his official capacity. “Even though the election is the week before, it’s tradition that we always have the mayor who was in office at the time say a few words.”
For more information on the Veteran’s Day ceremony in East Haven, contact Joseph Coppola at 203-468-3205 or eh.jcoppola@gmail.com.