Newtown’s American Legion To Host Memorial Day Observance

NEWTOWN, CT — American Legion Post 202 and its affiliated groups will hold their annual Memorial Day Weekend observance on Saturday, May 24, at 5 p.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Main Street.

The public ceremony will feature remarks, patriotic music, and tributes to those who died in service to the country. The monument, located at the triangle adjoining School House Road across from Edmond Town Hall, will serve as the backdrop for the event. Parking will be available along the street and at Edmond Town Hall.

Musical performances will be provided by the Newtown High School Tri-M Club under the direction of Elizabeth Dandeneau. Student musicians will perform selections including the National Anthem, “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The ceremony will begin with the playing of “Taps” by a Newtown High School band member.

Participants from Newtown High School include American Legion Post 202 family instrumentalists Gus Osier, Braden Wong, Jason Villa Sandoval, Cormac and Cian Elliot, Cameron Linnetz, Jason Voegeli, and Patrick Ward; and singers Talmage Bacon, Maddie Britton, Maya Chaudhary, Annabel Fattore, Rebecca Goldman, Corynn Hettenbach, Jack Mendez, and Lillian Padilla.

Opening remarks will be delivered by U.S. Army Major Robert Payne III, who also serves as Junior Vice Commander of American Legion Post 202. Local officials and veterans scheduled to participate include State Representatives Martin Foncello Jr. and Mitch Bolinsky, First Selectman Jeff Capeci, Selectwoman Michelle Embree Ku, Brookfield Selectwoman Tara Carr, and others.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, including Annabella Carr, Angelina Carr, Gabriella Payne, and Alexa Kwarcinski, will distribute poppies to attendees.

In conjunction with the event, American Legion Post 202 is offering luminaries for a $5 donation, which can be dedicated in honor or memory of a veteran. The luminaries will be lit nightly throughout the holiday weekend, beginning after Saturday’s ceremony. Luminary requests can be made by emailing AmericanLegionNewtown@gmail.com or calling (203) 577-9568. Luminaries will also be available at American Legion pop-up locations around town on weekends prior to Memorial Day.

The event is open to all community members, regardless of military affiliation, and is intended as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.