Maple Street School Marks 100th Year Of Vernon War Memorial

VERNON, CT — Third-grade students at Vernon's Maple Street School celebrated the 100th anniversary of "Welcome Home Day" last week.

The ceremony first took place on May 3, 1919, when residents of Vernon honored the returning soldiers of World War I.

They also remembered the lost soldiers who "gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom." In remembrance of each deceased solider, a gingko tree was planted. These trees still remain today along Union and Maple streets.

Students conducted a "soldier walk," during which they taught fellow students and community members about those to whom the trees are dedicated.