Avon reflects and honors on Memorial Day
- John Fitts
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
While Avon’s parade was canceled due to inclement weather, George Washington, played by Jerry Stinson, U.S. Army veteran and Commander of the Gildo Consolini Veterans of Foreign Wars 3272, served as emcee for a poignant remembrance, held at the town’s senior center.
He – Stinson that is – began the day by providing some background of his own service in the Vietnam era – and his personal and family life following those years.
“The reason I share this background is to thank the Town of Avon for the respect and the welcome the community has shown for all veterans like myself,” Stinson said. “For many years after the Viet Nam War, as combat veterans, we were not well regarded. Our nation was severely challenged as to why this war started and what was its purpose. Having lived in Avon now, just over 53 years after the war ended, this community, especially our political officials and the media, look back with high regard for all veterans such as myself. In fact, all military veterans of many complicated and difficult wars globally, can now come home with pride and gratitude for serving our nation.”
Stinson also noted the veterans who give so much back to their community, including members of the VFW and the American Legion, and took a moment to remind the crowd of the purpose for the day.
“We are here today to honor those military veterans of all wars presented on the beautiful Memorial Wall behind me, he said referencing the Avon Veterans Monument where the post parade ceremony generally takes place, adding “those who did not come home, those who are still missing in action and those who made those who made this town their homecoming.
Stinson also noted a special salute to the nation’s 250th birthday.
The Memorial Day program was varied with participation from local and regional groups and organizations, including – but not limited to - the Avon VFW, Avon Volunteer Fire Department, Avon Police Department Boy Scout Troop #274, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution and First Company Governor’s Horse Guard.
Local Girl Scouts and Brownies helped in many roles including in the Placing of the Wreath and Placing of the Forget-Me-Nots.
The Invocation and Convocation came from Pastor Skip Eggimann of Valley Community Baptist Church.
Ram Tysoe and Flutist Emma Ross performed Amazing Grace. Taps and Echo was rendered by Mia Sobue and Sushant from Avon High School and Avon High student Isabella Brown performed the National Anthem.
Town Council Chairman Dan Polhamus and state Sen. Paul Honig gave remarks, and the keynote address came from Paul W Vicinus, Jr., West Hartford Superintendent and Command Sergeant major in the Connecticut Army National Guard. Vicinus has held numerous military roles, including deployment to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom November 2009 to November 2010. The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, and Global War on Terror Service Medal are among his accolades.
Other special portions of the ceremony include an America 250 presentation by Norm Sondheimer, who dressed as Icabod Norton, an Northington (Avon) resident who served int eh American Revolution.
Additionally, Grant Hagedorn, past VFW commander and US. Submarine veteran, performed the poignant Calling of the Dead.
