Memorial Day is about somber remembrance of veterans who gave their lives for our country.
But it should also be a “reverent celebration” of liberty, love and life, according to Col. Michael E. Casey, of the Connecticut Army National Guard.
He spoke during a solemn memorial service at Shelton High School Sunday evening, hosted by the Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade Association to remember veterans who have died in the past year.
Memorial Day, Casey said, “reminds us freedom is not free. It has a cost.”
“Look into their (veterans’) lives. See they practiced the same core values,” Casey said. “Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless service. Honor. Integrity. And personal courage.”
“Their lives were dedicated: Not to conflict and death, but to compassion and life,” Casey said.
The hour long memorial included patriotic songs played by the Shelton High School band, and sung by soloist Cara Staffieri.
Boy scout Joseph Delgado read the history behind the bugle call “Taps,” and two high school ban members played it.
Girl scouts read poems “In Flanders Fields,” and “America’s Answer to Flanders Fields.“
Parade Association treasurer James S. Connery read the General John A. Logan Memorial Day Orders. (Click play on the video above to hear his words.)
And dozens of veterans who have died in the past year were recognized with a reading of their names, a red carnation for their families, and a tolling of a large silver bell.
Among the veterans was Shelton Police Sergeant Orville “Smitty” Smith, who died in the line of duty last summer.
Smith served in the Marines during the Vietnam War.
When his name was read, his wife and several members of the Shelton Police Department and White Hills Fire Co. stood and saluted him.
