In front of a crowd of hundreds — including students from Newtown Middle School — Newtown honored its veterans with a ceremony Monday at VFW Post 308.
The ceremony included a laying of a wreath, red, white and blue flowers, and a flag from Sandy Hook Elementary School at the VFW's memorial to veterans who sacrificed their lives.
One by one, Newtown's veterans recited their names, ranks and when and where they served. Post Commander James Rebman told the crowd Newtown's VFW was proud to represent a "vast diversity" of veterans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan.
"To our cherished patriotic guests: you're in attendance because you know how important we are," said Rebman. "Make it a personal mission to make sure our friends and neighbors know the importance of this day."
Selectman Jim Gaston told the crowd he asked his 91-year-old father — a veteran of World War II — what words he, a civilians, could give to veterans in his address.
"Still sharp, still carrying the ideals of service, he said: 'Say thank you,'" said Gaston. "Thank you."
First Selectman Pat Llodra, who was awarded a ceremonial coin for civilians who have helped veterans, thanked the community for its focus on veterans' issues.
"Not every community does what Newtown does," she said. "I'm very proud of that."
Last week, Newtown Veteran Stanley Polcyn was finally awarded his medals 61 years after serving in the Korean War. On Saturday, the town unveiled a new mural to veterans at the Newtown Municipal Center.
"It's been a good four or five days for veterans," said First Selectman Pat Llodra.
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