Honoring Those Who Have Served: Greenwich Holds Veterans Day Ceremony

GREENWICH, CT — Under overcast skies, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Greenwich community gathered near the World War I monument in downtown Greenwich to honor all those who have served in the armed forces.

Veterans Day in Greenwich began with a patriotic walk and parade down Greenwich Avenue, led by the American Legion Post 29, veterans, first responders and local elected officials.

The subsequent ceremony featured comments from American Legion Post 29 commander, Peter LeBeau; former New York Lt. Gov. and current Greenwich resident Betsy McCaughey; and First Selectman Fred Camillo.

Col. Amanda B. Evans, who is commander of the 103rd Mission Support Group at Bradley Air National Guard Base in Granby, CT, was the keynote speaker.

Evans, a United States Air Force veteran of 27 years, leads over 400 airmen across five squadrons, providing force support services and logistics to ensure deployment at a moment's notice. Prior to her current role, she was assigned to the Pentagon where she served as the executive officer to the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

Throughout her career, Evans has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal; Defense Meritorious Medal; Air Force Meritorious Service Medal; and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Evans noted that many people think of veterans as being older and part of the group that's affectionately called "the greatest generation." But in her remarks, Evans reminded the nearly 200 people gathered in downtown Greenwich that veterans come in all shapes and sizes, and different genders.

She spoke about the strides women have made in the armed forces over the years, while also highlighting their history in service.

During the civil war, women prepared meals and sewed uniforms. During World War I, they served as nurses and telephone and radio operators, Evans said. In World War II, they not only worked on planes, but flew them, and helped train male military pilots.

In the 1990's, women became fighter pilots, and most recently, army rangers in 2015.

"We no longer look at gender, but we look at the standard required to do the job. If you meet the standard, then you can fill a combat role," Evans said. "So, veterans are old and young, veterans are male and female, and as a guardsman, I must remind you that veterans are part-time."

Evans said national guardsmen live in the community and have civilian jobs. They serve a minimum one weekend per month, and two weeks in a year.

"Today, I encourage all of us to be aware of our unconscious biases that lead us to thinking a veteran fits a certain mold," she said. Evans also encouraged residents to get to know their local veterans, both young and old, because they have inspirational and important stories to share.

"Freedom isn't free," Evans reminded the crowd. "It's a gift from service members — our veterans, those who have gone before us, those who serve now, and those who, in the future, will raise their hand to support and defend the constitution and our way of life."

LeBeau noted that only one half of one percent of the people in the country have ever worn an armed services uniform.

McCaughey spoke about the importance of Veterans Day, and the symbolism of Greenwich Avenue, which features three monuments dedicated to past wars and those who have died fighting for freedom.

"It's as if this is really the boulevard of heroes," she said. "Nothing we say can honor them sufficiently, although I'm glad we're here to do that. But our deeds can honor them... The warriors we celebrate today gave it all. Some gave their lives, some came home very injured. We owe it to them to keep up the fight."

Camillo said that veterans don't put themselves in harm's way because they hate what's in front of them. They do it because they love what's behind them: freedom, liberty and country.

"When things are going wrong each day, remember, we get a second chance," Camillo said. "There's always a tomorrow. But it's only because of all those who put themselves in harm's way."

Following the remarks, Evans, McCaughey and Camillo placed a ceremonial wreath at the base of the World War I monument.

The ceremony also featured a rendition of the National Anthem, which was performed by Andrea Locasio, and an invocation from Rev. William Platt of St. Catherine of Siena in Riverside.

William E. Hong of the Greenwich Pipe Band played "Amazing Grace."

Elsewhere in Greenwich, Riverside School held its 22nd annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday morning.

The Byram Veterans Club scheduled a walk and wreath presentation for Friday evening.