Veterans Day events planned in Valley

Thursday, 05 November 2009 13:34

Veterans Day will be observed at ceremonies and services throughout the Valley on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

A Veterans Day Observance hosted by the John H. Collins Post 24, American Legion, will be conducted on the Derby Green at 10:30 a.m.

The hour-long service will feature comments from commanders of several veterans organizations in the Valley, said Raymond Gagne, junior vice commander of Post 24.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Angelo Dirienzo, former school supt. in Derby, who is a veteran and a member of the John H. Collins Post.

Dirienzo served with the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1947 to 1951 and with the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

Following the speakers, a wreath will be laid at the All Wars Monument on the Elizabeth Street side of the Green.

The main purpose of the program is to celebrate and honor all veterans who have served in the Armed Forces.

“The original holiday was called Armistice Day, and it celebrated the signing of the Cease Fire or Armistice, which ended World War I with Germany,” Gagne said.

A luncheon will follow the ceremony at the Post Home at 230 Caroline St. All who attend the ceremony are welcome at the Post.

In Ansonia, veterans and members of the public will gather at 11 a.m. at Malus Park, next to City Hall, in honor of veterans of all wars. American Legion Post 50 is sponsoring the ceremony, and the guest speaker will be Chief Petty Officer Mark Adams of the U. S. Navy.

The Ansonia Senior Center Glee Club will perform.

In Seymour, American Legion Emil Senger Post 10 will conduct a casting of the Navy wreath honoring U.S. Navy veterans at 9:30 am. on the Bank Street bridge followed by Veterans Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. at Veterans Grove, French Memorial Park.

Local veterans groups will post the colors at 8 a.m. at Seymour Middle School. They’ll attend a ceremony conducted by students at LoPresti School at 2 p.m. and at Chatfield School at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.