Valley residents, veterans and their families gathered at Riverview Park in Shelton Saturday to attend the rededication ceremony of the Shelton Permanent War Memorial.
The memorial was rededicated after a series of renovations were completed at the site. The memorial also has a new monument — a natural granite perched eagle statue — designed to attract attention to the site.
Saturday, the rededication ceremony did just that, with 80 people gathering at the memorial on Route 110 to remember Shelton’s soldiers and bring in a new era of recognition for their deeds.
The dedication ceremony was hosted by the American Legion Post 16 and VFW Posts 1236 and 10466.
Al Sabetta, adjutant for Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16 American Legion and Master of Ceremony for the rededication, spoke Saturday about the courage of Shelton residents serving in the armed forces, and the honor they bring to the community.
“May this building be for those who built it a memorial with pride,” Sabetta said.
The Memorial
The Permanent War Memorial Building includes all those who died in service, including men who died from wounds, accidents and sickness.
Other local memorials focus mainly on those who died in battle.
Families had requested repairs and renovations at the site because plaques and foot stones were deteriorating there, Sabetta said.
The renovations at the building include new sewer lines, exterior lighting, plants and an extended walkway.
The renovations are not yet complete: Future plans call for interior repairs, including painting, new floors and lighting.
The rededication and repairs cost about $80,000, Sabetta said, money that came from the city, the Valley Community Foundation and the American Legion and VFW posts.
The Ceremony
The rededication event included a procession with a gun salute by Post 16, patriotic songs and prayers.
Board of Aldermen President John Anglace spoke in lieu of Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti at the dedication ceremony.
“The Shelton Permanent War Memorial Building is a monument to the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who served the armed forces of the United States of America,” Anglace said. ”For each of us, it is a constant reminder of our freedom.”
Sabetta led the crowd in a moment of silence, to honor the memory of fallen soldiers, followed by a firing squad volley by the Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16.
Ron Dietman performed Taps, and Amy LaReau sang patriotic songs.
The group stood quietly while LaReau, a teacher at Shelton Intermediate School, sang the National Anthem, Proud to be an American and God Bless America.
During God Bless America everyone sang together and loudly applauded.
Many of the residents attending shared their stories of time in the armed service.
Others spoke of family members presently serving.
Allison Cavallaro, of Shelton, said she attended the event Saturday to honor her son Robert Cavallaro, who is in the Marines.
“I’m so proud of my son and I will be honoring all of them,” Cavallaro said.
Shelton Police Officer Cathi Schneider said she was very touched by the rededication of the building and the music.
“I thought it was beautiful and Amy made me cry,” Schneider said. “Between her singing and my son being in the Navy, it all made me cry.”