Retired Navy Commander: Country’s Youth Should Serve Their Nation

About 100 people gathered at Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall Monday in a salute to veterans organized by American Legion Post 50.

Mayor James Della Volpe began the ceremony by thanking those who have served in the military and reading a proclamation honoring those who continue to fight for freedom throughout the world.

The event’s keynote speaker, Peter Kenyon, a retired commander from the U.S. Navy currently living in Darien, served in Vietnam and recalled the days when the country ended the selective service to draft civilians into the military.

Kenyon suggested formalizing some sort of mandatory national service — not necessarily in the military — to improve the country’s infrastructure and give young people training and education they need.

Kenyon, who retired from the Navy reserve in 1986, also stressed that the freedoms in the Bill of Rights have been guaranteed and protected throughout history by those who have served in the military.

The freedom of speech is not guaranteed by Congress, but it’s guaranteed by our veterans and our military,” Kenyon said.

Click the play button above to see footage from Monday’s ceremony.

Students from Ansonia’s Public Schools also read essays detailing the meaning of Veterans Day. They were:

  • Nikky Tran, Prendergast School, third grade
  • Brendan Palmer, Prendergast School, fourth grade
  • Anthony DiBlasi, Mead School, fifth grade
  • Julie LaPrade, Mead School, sixth grade
  • Samuel Bshara, Ansonia Middle School, seventh grade
  • Jesselyn McGovern, Ansonia Middle School, eighth grade
  • Omario Williamson, Ansonia High School, 11th grade.

To me it is a special time to remember our servicemen and women living and dead who for hundreds of years stood up in defense of our nation,” Williamson said.

Monday’s ceremony ended with three veterans shooting a salute to war dead, followed by Taps” being played as those gathered bowed their heads in remembrance.

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