The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
A solemn ceremony
100th anniversary of Armistice Day includes bells at Veterans Day Observance
TORRINGTON — Amid church bells ringing in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I at the 11th second of the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, about 150 residents and dignitaries gathered at Coe Memorial Park to honor veterans of the country’s wars and all-too-brief peacetime interludes at the annual Veterans Day Observance Sunday.
While most of the activities took place indoors, the most poignant moments of the observance, the traditional 21-gun salute and the blowing of taps, took place outside around 11 a.m. on a chilly, breezing morning, as American flags waved briskly in the air.
Bud Atwood of the local Veterans Service Office thought back to his father, uncle and others in his family who had served their country during times of war.
“I’ve been taking part in these observances here for the past 14 years and I think of my father (Ivan) who fought in World War II and an uncle who fought in the Korean War. I was in the Army in the Far East and served in four
“It’s a nice time for veterans to see one another again and to relive their service. For younger people, it’s a chance to see what the older generation is all about and for them to show us what it means to serve your country.”
Andrew Romaniello, of Winsted, a member of the Civil Air Patrol
countries. But I always felt fortunate to have been in the service because it allowed me to see the world and Asia, which I was always fascinated with.”
For 19-year-old Andrew Romaniello of Winsted, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the day was a mix of emotions.
“It’s a nice time for veterans to see one another again and to relive their service. For younger people, it’s a chance to see what the older generation is all about and for them to show us what it means to serve your country.”
With Leo Martignini, chairman of the Torrington Veterans Memorial Committee, serving as emcee, various dignitaries, including Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone, state Reps. Michelle Cook and Jay Case and state Sen. Craig Miner, addressed the crowd, some of whom were wearing their service uniforms and others hats and emblems denoting their branch of the military.
Several of the speakers asked those gathered to reflect upon what makes the country great and to seek to work past the current toxic political and social climate.
“I believe we have to again find what we stand for,” said Miner, “and find a nucleus of things that we can all agree on. We need to know what we are fighting against. It isn’t World War I or World War II anymore, but something that is hard to define at times.”
Said Carbone, “I think we all need to find a common ground and determine who we are as Americans and what we stand for as a country. We all have so much to be thankful for and should all pay respects to veterans every day for helping to keep our country safe and great.”
Carbone was pleased with the progress Torrington has made in becoming a “Purple Heart City,” adding, “We were able to designate one parking space in front of City Hall as a Purple Heart space. I have received great support from businesses throughout the city about setting aside a parking space in front of their stores, shops and companies for Purple Heart (wounded in action) veterans. The one thing I am most proud about as mayor is how we take care of one another in Torrington.”
Speaking front a podium behind around two dozen commemorative wreaths representing veterans of various wars and service organizations, John Secor, a Vietnam veteran and member of several veterans groups, told the audience of the history of Veterans Day. He concluded with a touching read of a portion of John Dunne’s poem “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Secor spoke the words to further honor the many who paid the “ultimate sacrifice” and veterans who have passed on, “Each man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.”
Two other highlights of the event were a stirring vocal rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Isabella Pinto and the playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes toward the end of the ceremony by Diane Schmaltz. The invocation and benediction were delivered by Chaplain Roger Geiger of the Connecticut Air National Guard, the American Legion Post 38 and AMVETS Post 24.