Indian Ledge Park Hosts Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Trumbull's held host to the 8th Annual Connecticut Fallen Heroes Memorial Tribute recently. The event both commemorated and celebrated Connecticut soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country.

The event began with a prelude from the Navy Band Northeast, followed by a welcome by the event's emcee, Miss Connecticut 2010 Brittany Decker, and the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Air Force Color Guard.

After a courageous rendition of our National Anthem by 11-year old Sophie Baum, an invocation was delivered by Gold Star Mother Beverley Pierson of Milford.

Speakers included Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Fourth District U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Col. Charles P. Samaris, First Selectman Tim Herbst and Brigadier Gen. Barrye Price.

"It always feels strange to say thank you, because thank you is too inadequate," Himes said in his address to the crowd. He also remarked that it is the sacrifices of these lives that prompt our country to "redouble our efforts".

Wyman assured the families that "We will never ever forget your loved ones," and that their sacrifice "shows the United States' strength and pride".

First Selectman Tim Herbst said, "I feel both a sense of sorrow and of pride."

He also thanked and acknowledged Mike Mastroni of Trumbull for his efforts in coordinating the event. "I'm proud to call you a citizen of Trumbull," Herbst said.

Herbst also individually honored Cheyenne M. Seymour of Trumbull, who gave her life in 2005 serving her country.

However, out of all that was said on Saturday, one voice rang the loudest. Guest speaker Price delivered a resounding speech, which opened with poetry from Voltaire's Candide and Price's own personal collection.

Price served on task forces for both the Bush and Clinton administrations, and was the first African-American to graduate from Texas A&M University with a graduate degree in history.

Price saved his most powerful words for last, when he said, "History looks back, legacy moves forward."

After each speaker had finished, the Gold Star portion of the ceremony began. Each year the committee recognizes a select number of Gold Star families to honor individually. Additionally, the committee honors one Gold Star family from the Vietnam War so that their sacrifices can be properly remembered.

This year the committee chose U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ronald W. Cardona (19 of Gardner, Mass.) as their Vietnam honoree. He was honored along with U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kemaphoom "Ahn" Chanawongse (22, of Waterford); U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Kyle J. Coutu (20, of Providence, RI); U.S. Army Spc. Andre Craig Jr. (24, of New Haven); U.S. Army Pfc. Anthony D'Agostino (20, of Waterbury); U.S. Army Pfc. Melissa Hobart (22, of East Haven); and U.S. Army CWO Richard R. Lee (36, of Wallingford).

The Gold Star families of the honored were presented with pictures of their fallen hero and a handmade quilt. Presenters of the gifts included Sikorsky Aircraft president Jeffrey Pino, Wyman, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and former Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz.

Each Gold Star Family in attendance was individually called up and presented with a gift from the CFHF—a beautiful sculpture by internationally renowned artist Peter Rubino entitled "Remembrance."

The ceremony concluded with the release of two dozen white doves by the family members of the fallen heroes and a closing prayer by Gold Star mother Diane DeLuzio.

A demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team was slated to be the finale, but was moved up due to weather constraints. The Golden Knights jumped from a plane above Indian Ledge Park, parachuted down over the crowd.

After rain was expected to derail the event, only a few rogue droplets ended up soiling a day of both mourning and celebration.