Published in the Southington Citizen

Memorial Day Services Honor
American Heroes, Moving
Hearts, Minds and Emotions

A bright morning sun and blue skies warmed the hearts, minds and spirits of thousands along its route of the Memorial Day Parade in Southington and, following the parade, at the Town Green facing American Legion Hall of Kiltonic Post 72.

Old and young  and those of every age in between made up the large crowds who watched and listened with pride and joy.

"I think of when I was a boy and my parents took us to parades”, said Steve Pintarich, past commander of Kiltonic Post 72 and master of ceremonies at the Memorial Day service. “I’m glad they took us to those events. Today, it gives me a special sense of appreciation for the people of Southington who continue to make sure that their children learn, early on, the meaning of service to and love of country.”.

Acting Legion Commander, Bob Abbott, said, “I was overwhelmed by the response of the community, the huge crowds, the spirit of patriotism."

One lady in the crowd marveled at the awe-filling display of so many gathered for this one special purpose.

At the opening of the memorial ceremony, legionnaire Joe DellaPorta led a unit of nine veterans to lay memorial wreaths at each of the monuments on the Green facing Main Street. Including the cemeteries and other locations, a total of 21 wreaths were put in place. Town and state officials joined the American Legion, A.L. Auxiliary and Sons of A.L. place. Town and state officials joined the American Legion, A.L. Auxiliary and Sons of A.L. leaders in a stirring morning of presentations.

There was a shared sense of community respect for the Southington Police and Fire Departments, the Marine Corps League, the Knights of Columbus and their respective color guards, the Rifle Detail and  the retired Navy Chaplain’s opening and closing prayers. At the same time, the mood of the crowd was uplifting during the parade and service.

People were there because they wanted to be there … to experience the sights and colors and the sound and beat of marching music provided by the Southington H.S. Band, the Kennedy and DePaolo Bands. Few could miss feeling the exuberant spirit of a united community.

The American Legion brought honor and attention to numerous groups and individuals.  Among them were essays written by fifth grade students of St. Dominic School on "What Memorial Day means to me".

Angeline Dortenzio was asked to read her exceptional story, selected for its quality, content and deep meaning to her and her extended family when her cousin, Amry Sgt Steven J. Deluzio of Glastonbury, was killed in a raid on their camp in Afghanistan. In addition, the kids of St. Dominic School also raised $200.00 to help support the personal needs of our troops.

Benny Cammuso and Bill Lewandoski of the Knights of Columbus Color Guard were honored for their special service. Noticing the neglected condition of the flower beds in front of the legion building they decided to spruce it up to a place of great beauty.

Kennedy Middle School Builders club and peer advocates have been working for almost 2 years building and selling small yellow-ribbon wood stakes to earn money for the American Legion to buy web cameras and pay the cost of shipping laptop computers to troops serving in combat or recovering from wounds at Walter Reed Medical Center.  Students have received thank you letters from the troops and a flag flown in combat. The patriotism of these kids and the support of their families raised over $3,000.00 to date. The project continues at JFK School. Chris Palmieri and Zeke Zaleski presented certificates from the town and state for their work.  It gets better: Boy Scout Troop 45 at St. Paul’s Church is now starting on a similar project.

Fire Captain Peter Kurtz was named Firefighter of the Year and Sgt. Robert Wilson was named police officer of the year by Kiltonic Post.  Honored for his long military service and multiple deployments in combat, U.S. Army First Sgt Keith Egan spoke with passion and inspiration about how much his years of military service have come to mean to him and the appreciation he and his comrades in service appreciate the support of those back home.

With 6,,438 Americans who will never be coming home to family and friends, we need to continue our steadfast support, Egan pleaded, for the troops who are there today and leaving tomorrow to serve our country.