East Haven Honors Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

From East Haven Office of the Mayor: On Memorial Day, a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, the East Haven Veteran’s Council in conjunction with Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. will once again honor those unselfish individuals, who died to protect our freedom. The Town will continue its recent tradition of honoring these “true heroes” with ceremonies of a more reflective tone.

The observance will feature a procession from the American Legion Post 89 on Thompson Avenue to the East Haven Green. The procession is scheduled to step off at 11:30am, Monday May 29th, Memorial Day. Club Corvette of CT will again be providing vehicles for veterans who choose to ride, through their “Vets in Vettes” program. The East Haven High School Band will provide a program of patriotic music also beginning at 11:30am at the gazebo on the Green.

Beginning at noon, there will be remarks from Mayor Maturo and other dignitaries and the Town will recognize East Haven resident, Joseph Maturo, Sr., as this year’s “honored vet”. The 92 year old Maturo, who happens to be the Mayor’s father, joined the Navy while a senior in high school. Following boot camp Maturo went into training as a “boats-in- mate” and became a pilot of a LCM troop carrier. Maturo was sent to France for training and was picked to be 1 of approximately 10 pilots to guide the LCM’s for a very special mission. Once told of that mission these pilots were isolated from the rest of the troops for specialized training. Maturo and the others left France on June 6, 1944 for Normandy Beach, picking up UDT (underwater demolition teams) teams along the way, across the English Channel, for a landing at 6 am on D-Day, so these UDT teams could prepare for the full scale attack. Maturo then spent the next 30 days on the beach.

Following remarks, the Veterans, Color Guard and guests will proceed to the War Monuments and “Honors” will be rendered. All are invited back to Post 89 for refreshments following the ceremonies.

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