The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘Remember and honor’
PORTLAND — Cromwell and Portland held pandemic- abbreviated, but nonetheless heartfelt, ceremonies Wednesday to mark Veterans Day, honoring those who have served.
Cromwell Mayor Enzo Faienza and Town Manager Anthony J. Salvatore were among a small group — 14 people in all — who held a remembrance service on the memorial on Valour Green at 10 a.m.
The ceremony was organized by American Legion Post 105 to “remember and honor” those who have served or are serving now, Post Commander Louis P. Gagnon said.
In his brief remarks, Faienza praised those who “fought for us,” and in doing so protected both
America and the American way of life.
Faienza paid special tribute to “those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” dying for their country.
He called upon those at memorial, and all Cromwell residents, to “keep them in
our memories.”
State Rep. Christie Carpino called upon residents to remember those who are serving in the military today to protect “the greatest country in the world.”
Town Historian Richard Donohue sang the “Star
Spangled Banner,” Town Councilor (and Navy veteran) Allan Waters fired the traditional three-round volley, and bugler John Croasdale played taps.
Across the Connecticut River as 11 a.m. approached, Portland First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield called together an equally small gathering of residents — many of them veterans.
The Portland High School Band and chorus provided a virtual salute with the chorus performing a recorded the national anthem and the band presenting bold renditions of the anthems of the branches of the military.
Carpino paid tribute to the spirit of Portland by noting, “Even the virus couldn’t keep Portland from coming out to salute its veterans.”
Korean War veteran Rodney Spooner and Afghanistan veteran Army Sgt. Mitch Foreman laid a wreath at the center of the three-panel veterans memorial.
State Sen. Norm Needleman looked on in the company of Selectmen James Tripp and Ralph Zampano, among others.
“There are just no words to express our gratitude” to those who sacrificed in service to the country, Needleman said.
Bransfield thanked veterans both for the service to the nation but also “for all the work you do for our community” when they take off their uniforms and return to civilian life.