Veterans Day observed at memorial and by scouts in Brandon parade
November 13, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout Christopher Wood plays ‘Taps’ at Monday’s Veterans Day observance at Rusty Parker Memorial Park. Photo by Mike Woodard
At 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, the annual ceremony to observe Veterans Day unfolded at Rusty Parker Memorial Park in downtown Waterbury.
A crowd of about 40 local veterans and community members gathered for remarks led by American Legion Post Commander Wayne Goulet.
“They fought to protect our democracy, uphold our Constitution, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Americans,” the retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel said. “Their selflessness and devotion to duty inspire us all. Few of these men and women set out to be heroes. Most were ordinary Americans who volunteered to serve when they were needed and responded in extraordinary ways when the time came.”
U.S. service members come from many backgrounds and places with different reasons for serving, Goulet noted. “But whatever their role, they knew one true thing: that they made a difference.”
And while the nation owes its gratitude to veterans and their families, Goulet noted that veterans have one additional duty: “Those of us who are veterans need to tell our stories so a new generation of Americans will be inspired to serve their country and in doing so make a difference.”
Members of the legion’s Color Guard and Honor Guard participated in the ceremony which included a gun salute, a wreath laid at the war monuments, and “Taps” played by legion member Christopher Wood.
Nov. 11 is observed in the U.S. as Veterans Day honoring veterans of all wars and in many other nations as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. The date commemorates the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
Veterans attending the ceremony gathered for a group photo at its conclusion. Photo by Mike Woodard
Troop 701 scouts march in Brandon Parade
Scouts from Waterbury-based Troop 701 march in the Scouting Salute to Veterans Parade in Brandon on Saturday, Nov. 9. Photo courtesy of the Green Mountain Council
Troop 701 Waterbury joined scouts from across Vermont on Saturday, Nov. 9, for the 26th Annual Scouting Salute to Veterans Parade in Brandon.
More than 300 took part in the event that brought out community members for the tribute to those who have served our country.
Chartered by the Waterbury American Legion Post 59, Troop 701 took part with scouts dressed in uniform and carrying flags. Leading the troop’s procession was Tjaden Johansen, with the American flag followed by Travis Lowe and Cadence Lowe, carrying the Troop flag and the POW/MIA flag, respectively. With them were their leaders, Scoutmaster Albert Caron, Troop Committee Chair Troy Mullins, and Charter Organization Representative Barb Lowe.
Spectators lined the streets of Brandon and cheered, showing their appreciation for veterans and for the dedication of the scouts in paying tribute to them.
Mullins said the event was a worthwhile trip for the Waterbury troop members to make. “The parade provided a meaningful opportunity for the scouts to connect with the community and learn about the values of service and sacrifice,” he said. “Their involvement was an inspiring display of respect and patriotism, teaching them firsthand about the importance of honoring those who served.”
The legion sponsors Troop 701 as a way to build character and community involvement among young people with an emphasis on the values of respect, responsibility and service.
Find more information about local scouting opportunities for boys and girls in grades K-5 at this link for Cub Scout Pack 701, and youngsters in grades 6-12 with Troop 701.
Waterbury Roundabout reporter Lisa Scagliotti and Troy Mullins contributed to this report.