This evening, members of BSA Troop 270 and BSA Troop 70 of Newtown performed taps at three different locations on Main Street to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Taps was played at one minute intervals with Max Barbagallo (Troop 70) at Booth
Library, Henry Blatter at the flagpole, Simon Pategas at Edmond Town Hall, and concluding with Dr. Mark Flegg, a professional musician, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The moving echoes of taps along Main Street were followed by a ceremony led by Donna A. Monteleone, Post Commander of American Legion Post 202 serving Newtown and Brookfield. Remarks followed from both First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky who led a moment of silence for our fallen heroes. As part of the fundraiser for this event, the Post placed over 300 luminaries along Main and at the monument, which were then lit at the end of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, Henry and I spoke with Lee Canfield, one of the oldest members of Post 202, a navy veteran of the Korean War who served as a gunner on a Destroyer in the Atlantic fleet. Lee is a longtime resident of Sandy Hook. It is conversations with folks like Lee who remind us that Freedom Is Not Free and only the result of those who have served their country. Check out this moving video of Mr. Canfield saluting alongside other veterans who played taps at the shores of Lake Zoar in 2020.
On this Memorial Day, Troop 270 honors those who have served our country in support of freedom. We especially recognize those who gave their lives in that duty.
We thank the families of all veterans who have and those who currently make sacrifices for their loved ones. And we also share our appreciation to first responders and everyone who serves our town and state to keep us safe. Please take a moment to think of all these heroes.