Fuessenich honored as Veteran of the Month

LITCHFIELD — American Legion Post 44 in Bantam honored WWI U.S. Army Captain L. Cleveland Fuessenich, a Torrington son, during its monthly Veteran of the Month ceremony held Saturday, Nov. 3.

The post’s honor guard held a ceremony outside the Bantam Borough Hall, located on Route 202 in Bantam. In good weather, ceremonies are held at the All-Wars Memorial less than a mile west of the hall.

Members of Post 44 were joined by World War I reenactor Bill Spring, who with his son and daughter wore WWI uniforms and brough artifacts with them to share with guests at the event.

Ryan Spring, dressed as a doughboy, read a short paper on World War One and the beginning of the American Legion. Michaela Spring portrayed a Red Cross Nurse and handed out poppies to the guests.

Post 44 was founded in the Bantam borough of Litchfield in the 1930s.

The monthly Veteran of the Month ceremony is a tradition that has drawn local and national attention since its start in 1989, by honoring many area veterans and sharing the experience with their families.

“We are dedicated to serving needy veterans in Nothwest Connecticut,” members said on their Facebook page.

To contact the post, visit https:// www.facebook.com/pg/AmericanLegion-Post-44-BantamConnecticut

Contributed photos American Legion Post 44 in Bantam honored WWI U.S. Army Capt. L. Cleveland Fuessenich during its monthly Veteran of the Month ceremony held Saturday. Above, members of the Fuessenich family socialized with guests after the ceremony. Below, World War I reenactor Bill Spring, left, and his children displayed many of their artifacts during the ceremony. Ryan Spring, dressed as a doughboy, read a short paper on World War I and the beginning of the American Legion. Michaela Spring portrayed a Red Cross nurse and handed out poppies to guests.