Ceremony marks Veterans Day in Waterbury
November 13, 2022 | By Lisa ScagliottiVeterans Rodney "Stub" Sherman and Alonzo Perry salute after laying a flower wreath at the veterans memorial at Rusty Parker Park. Photo by Mike Woodard
A short morning ceremony in Rusty Parker Memorial Park led by members of the American Legion Post 59 marked Veterans Day in Waterbury on Friday.
The service is traditionally held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to honor the nation’s military service veterans in the community. Friday marked one of the mildest Veterans Days in recent memory with the temperature around 60 degrees as a few dozen people gathered at the park’s Main Street end at the monuments to veterans of multiple wars.
Legion Post Commander Wayne Goulet led the ceremony that featured the legion’s color guard, a rifle volley, a wreath laid at the World War II monument and “Taps” played by bugler Christopher Wood.
Veterans Day commemorates “the service of veterans of all wars, men and women who set aside their civilian pursuits to serve our nation,” Goulet began. He then read from an address to the National Guard penned by Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau:
“On November 11 we honor all our nation's veterans both those who fought in our nation's wars and those who served in times of peace. We celebrate our living veterans and remember those no longer with us. We thank them
for their courage and patriotism, and proudly carry on their legacy of service and sacrifice.
Our American veterans shaped the course of history. The stories of the Green Mountain Boys, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Screaming Eagles, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, and so many others who answered the call are the stories of our United States. They are the stories of people from many backgrounds united by a common purpose. Their future – our present – was not guaranteed; it was fought for and won. Today we continue their solemn responsibility.
This Veterans Day, tell the story of who and what inspired you to serve. Tell the story of the people you've met in the armed forces – the missions you've performed and the difference you've made. In telling your story, you uphold the legacy and memory of America's veterans – a proud and patriotic tradition centuries strong whose deeds will live forever.”
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to the legion for lunch.
Local U.S. military service veterans gather to mark Veterans Day on Friday at Rusty Parker Memorial Park. American Legion Post 59 Commander Wayne Goulet (center in uniform) led the ceremony. Photo by Mike Woodard
Other commemorations
Many communities around Vermont observed the holiday with ceremonies and even parades on Friday. Both Gov. Phil Scott and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray issued statements commemorating the holiday as well.
“Today we honor the thousands of Vermonters – and millions of Americans – who have dedicated so much in service of our nation. As the son of a World War II veteran who was severely injured in France after D-Day, I know the sacrifice the brave men and women of our armed forces make, and the risks they take, to serve our country and the values we represent,” Gov. Scott said. “There is no service more noble than those who are willing to put themselves on the line so that we can live free and safe here at home.
“Although on Veterans Day we give special attention to our nation’s heroes, we should thank those who served every day. If not for them, we would not enjoy the liberties we share today as Americans.”
A red, white and blue flower wreath of flowers at the World War II monument in Rusty Parker Memorial Park commemorates Veterans Day. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Gray said veterans represent ordinary people who become extraordinary by virtue of their service and sacrifice.
“On Veterans Day in Vermont, it is our duty to honor the many generations of veterans who call the Green Mountain State home, as well as those across the country who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation. Vermont has a long history of military service and our brave servicemen and women have risked their lives to secure our freedoms in the line of duty, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve,” Gray said.
“Thank you to our veterans, their families and our future veterans – our active duty troops – for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your courage. We are forever indebted to your service.”
For those online on Facebook, the Waterbury Historical Society last week posted several tributes to prominent Waterbury Civil War and World War I veterans including Civil War physician Dr. Henry Janes and WWI veteran Dascomb “Dac” Rowe.