Neighbor News
Brookfield Honors its Fallen Military Heroes
Moving Ceremony Took Place at Town's Williams Park with Over 250 in Attendance
At a formal Ceremony held Sunday at Williams Park in Brookfield, the Jason D. Lewis Memorial VFW Post performed before an estimated crowd of 250 appreciative onlookers. The event witnessed the return, after 20 years, of a Post Honor Guard made up of mostly newly recruited VFW Post members who provided a moving gun salute to honor the memory of 44 former Brookfield residents who have over the years perished during America’s Wars.
One spectator, Harry Shaker, said the ceremony reminded him of past events he observed at Arlington National Cemetery marked by attention to detail and striking precision by the participants.
Brookfield Police Chief, Jay Purcell, moderated the event as colors were posted, and the crowd heard a rousing performance of the National Anthem by Alto Soprano, Elizabeth Knauer.
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Post Commander, Joseph Beal, then delivered the keynote address telling the audience that those 44 former Brookfield residents who served their country and placed devotion to duty above their concern for personal safety, died defending our nation and preserving the rights and freedoms which are so much a part of the American culture. He also stressed the fact that they were not only true American heroes, but the fathers, husbands, sons and brothers of family members, many of whom are still with us today, and deserving of our support and compassion.
State Representative, Steve Harding, followed praising the Brookfield VFW Post for their community service, and applauded the Brookfield Memorial Day ceremony as an exemple for other communities to follow.
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Finally, Town First Selectman, Steve Dunn, thanked the crowd for their attendance, stressing the importance of remembering those few who have given so much for all of us.
After a wreath was placed at the base of the Brookfield War monument, and a gun salute was rendered, Allison Quinn, who was honored by the Post as one of three outstanding Scouts during the Brookfield VFW Post Scout of the Year competition, represented her Troop and the High School Band with the playing of Taps.
The ceremony ended with the Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums of Danbury performing a poignant rendition of Amazing Grace.
