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04/10/2024 08:30 AMMaureen Dalton is helping spread the word to anyone who is interested in remembering the sacrifices that a loved one has made by serving their country. Those who are interested can contact the American Legion Post 79 in Madison, so that a brick memorializing the veteran’s service can be placed in the Captain Peter F. Dalton Veteran’s Walk outside the Post.
“The bricks cost $50 a brick and can be donated by a veteran themselves or in honor of a family member that served. The veteran or the family do not have to be from Madison. It is open to everyone,” Maureen explains.
With Memorial Day on the horizon, Maureen says that now is the perfect time to reach out to anyone who may be interested in purchasing a brick. The bricks contain the name, years of service, and location of service of the veteran.
Of course, for Maureen, there is a more personal connection. Last fall, the Legion named the walkway in honor of her late husband Peter, who passed away in 2011.
Captain Peter F. Dalton was a platoon leader in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. During his service, Peter received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars (one with valor), and the Vietnamese Silver Star. Peter was well known around Madison for his dedication to both the town and the Legion.
“We were very proud and honored. It was very nice,” Maureen says of when she and her family learned that the walk would be dedicated to Peter. “We had about 50 friends and family come for the ribbon cutting. It was really very nice.”
Maureen says her wish is to have as many bricks laid out on the walkway as possible, so that the dedicated bricks go from the garden next to the front door of the Post—which contains a small dedication to Peter—to the doorway. In order to do so, Maureen hopes as many veterans or their families as possible consider purchasing a brick, even if they do not live in Madison. Forms for the purchase of a brick can be obtained via a box located at the walkway itself, by contacting Post 79, or by contacting Service Officer Joe Maco at Joseph.Maco@snet.net.
“The Post is a terrific group of guys. They serve as the Honor Guard at every deceased veteran’s funeral in the state of Connecticut if requested. It’s a big honor and commitment they do that,” Maureen says.
Over the years, Maureen has participated in other endeavors to help out Post 79. A decade ago, Maureen helped refurbish the garden on the property and dedicate a bench in memory of Peter. More recently, she helped with efforts to fix up the Post building by expanding the building, reworking the entrance way to be more handicap accessible, and fixing the ceiling.
“J.McLaughlin contributed with a fundraiser in fall by hosting a sip and shop,” Maureen notes, while also crediting the Madison Garden Club for helping maintain the garden.
In addition to the Post’s commitment to helping veterans, Maureen also feels inspired to give back to honor Peter’s memory.
“I believe it’s because of Peter’s incredible patriotism and dedication to his country,” Maureen says of her passion for helping with the Legion. “He was proud of his service, and he was a real leader.
Beyond Maureen’s dedication to the post, Madison residents may know her from a plethora of other positions. Maureen was a teacher in town for 12 years; has been a governor at the Madison Beach Club; was the chairman of the Gatsby Gala for the Shoreline Foundation, whose proceeds helped build the bubble for the Madison Racquet & Swim Club; currently sits on the Scranton Library Leadership Alliance; and also helped start the Madison Foundation as a just a small example of her commitments to town.
“We were contacted by a couple, us and a few other families, to see if we were interested in helping start this foundation. It was a gem of an idea, and it blossomed into what it is,” says Maureen says of the foundation, for which she manages the Dalton fund.
Maureen says that volunteering has always been important to her, even from a young age.
“I think you can’t help it when you’re a teacher in town and get to know families. You get involved,” Maureen says.
Maureen grew up in Massachusetts, but has lived in Madison for 50 years. Originally, Maureen was attracted Madison for its seaside location.
“I’ve always been a supporter of saving the sound,” Maureen says.
In her spare time, Maureen enjoys golfing, being a grandmother to her four grandkids, walking, and playing bridge.
“I enjoy my town, and I enjoy supporting my town,” Maureen proudly sums up.