Honoring Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

Each May, Newtown comes together to honor the heroic sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who died in service to our great nation. We celebrate their lives with ceremonies, parades, and gatherings in observance of our shared belief in freedom and democracy for all. It is a solemn yet hopeful display of patriotism in our perpetual quest for a better and brighter future.

This year, amid a new challenge we face together, we will not commemorate this national holiday with our traditional pomp and circumstance; however, even in these unfamiliar circumstances, we can all take time to honor the fallen and reflect on their sacrifices.

That is why I am happy to join American Legion Post #202 in “Taps Along the Housantonic,” a special socially-distanced tribute to our fallen service members. On Monday starting at 10:01am, a group of musicians will be playing “Taps” in every town along the Housatonic River, starting in Shelton/Derby. The melody will be played in every succeeding location northward, creating a continuous echo of the 24-note tune.

At 10:16am on Monday, May 25th, 2020, I will join veterans Christine Calabrese (USAF-retired), Bill Brimmer (US Army-retired), Trumpeter Julie Calabrese and Videographer Liz Calabrese in “Taps” and a salute at our site on Anthes Avenue in Sandy Hook.

Listen for the echo honoring our fallen heroes, or come say “hi” and salute with us at this beautiful event. There are eight locations here in Newtown that have been chosen for their beauty, access, and ample space for social distancing.

For a complete list of locations, email americanlegionnewtown@gmail.com or call 203-577-9568.

As we celebrate this uniquely American holiday, please keep our fallen heroes and their families in your thoughts, and remember that new, brighter days are ahead of us.