The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Riverton Grange honors veterans at monthly ceremony
BARKHAMSTED — Riverton Grange No. 169 held the 12th monthly Veterans Salute May 1, when the American flag was retired in honor of the April Veteran of the Month, USMC Cold War Veteran John Thomas Yacawych, and raised in honor of World War II U.S. Navy Veteran Edward A. Sweeney.
Riverton American Legion Post #159 Honor Guard presented the retired American flag, shadow box and framed certificate, signed by National Grange President Betsy Huber to retired USMC Sergeant Yacawych, who was accompanied by his wife Rose and daughter Alexa, who is entering the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2026.
The ceremonies are a partnership with the Riverton American Legion Post #159 Honor Guard, Town of Barkhamsted and First Selectman Don Stein, singer Lorraine Paul, Barkhamsted Senior Center, and the Barkhamsted and Northwestern CT Cyber Lions Clubs. Royal Coachman Tavern at the Old Riverton Inn underwrote the costs for the first year of the program.
The May 2022 honoree is U.S. Navy World War II Veteran Edward A. Sweeney, who served from March 1943 to March 1946. Sweeney served in the Pacific on the USS Alaska CB-1, which was a heavy cruiser, basically a heavily armed combat escort ship. He spoke eloquently about his service and experiences during World War II.
He was introduced by his son, Timothy Sweeney, a 6-year U.S. Army veteran. Tim Sweeney is Commander of American Legion Post #159, that serves Barkhamsted, Riverton and Colebrook. His sister Robin and her husband were also in attendance and both are U.S. Navy veterans.
“Each month we are hearing true heroic acts of service by men and women who sacrificed all for our freedom,” said Grange president Dave Roberts. “For April and May, we have seen and met generations of veterans who cherish this nation and want to make sure that no one forgets that sacrifices that the few make for the many. Community members brought ham, homemade macaroni salad, cookies and other goodies and it was truly a nice opportunity for folks to reminisce and talk about the importance duty, honor and service. Riverton Grange is so pleased to offer this community building opportunity each month with the support from so many other local groups.”
To nominate a veteran, living or deceased, contact Riverton Grange President Dave Roberts at 858-775-9241 or dave@daveroberts.org.