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Politics & Government

Weather Could Not Dampen Veteran's Emotions

Veterans Park is dedicated and flags are flying.

On Flag Day, June 14, Veterans’ Memorial Park was dedicated. Although the skies were dark and the rain continued on and off throughout the ceremony, there were over 200 people present to witness the long awaited dedication.

Veterans Commission member Charles Colaresi acted as master of ceremonies. He noted that the park was funded by local and state grants. It was designed by M.R. Roaming Associates of West Hartford and the contractor was LaRosa Earth Group of Meriden. Colaresi also thanked the many local organizations, town agencies, and people who were dedicated to seeing the park become a reality.

Father Michael Miller of St. Paul’s Church gave the invocation. The Berlin Veterans Commission members were introduced – Chairman Tom Chesery, Secretary Paul Eshoo, Financial Secretary Bruce Trevethan, Charles Colaresi, Bob Smith, John Agguzzi, Peter Galgano, and former Commission member Richard Rampone.

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The American Flag, the first of six to be raised, is one that has flown over the United States Capital building. It was presented to Veterans Commission chairman Tom Chesery by Paul Mounds, Deputy State Director for Outreach, for United States Senator Richard Blumenthal. The flag was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a certificate from Senator Blumenthal, presenting the flag to the Berlin Veterans’ Commission for the dedication of the park.  Both certificates will be taken to the BerlinTown Hall to be displayed.

Members of the Veterans’ Commission then raised the flag.

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The National Anthem was sung by the Berlin High School Chorus, under the direction of Robert Kelley, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Colaresi introduced American Legion Commander Vin Triglia and VFW Commander Brad Parsons.

Each flag was then raised by veterans of that particular military service: As the flags were being raised, the McGee Middle School Band, under the direction of Marlene Bradshaw, played a military melody of all the services.

The flag raisers were: U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Francis Dionne; Air Force veterans, John Koziol, Sam Damato, and Stanley Dziob; Coast Guard veterans, John and Vic Baccaro; U.S. Navy veterans, Al Gregory, Fred Mekkelsen, and Paul Eshoo; U.S. Army veteran, Richard Benson and his father Kip, who is 93 and a veteran of WWII.

Veterans’ Commissioner Linda Schwartz spoke, congratulating the town on building the Veterans’ Memorial Park. She noted that the park and the monuments were one of the best in Connecticut.

Mayor Adam Salina spoke. He mentioned, among other things, how proud he was to be at the dedication of the park. He said it was a wonderful tribute to all veterans.

Colaresi thanked everyone for being at the dedication. He announced that memorial bricks, to honor veterans both past and present, will be for sale. Proceeds will be used to maintain veteran’s memorials in town. To obtain a brick, an Honorable Discharge paper must be presented. Interested parties can obtain an application from the Town Hall, VFW, and American Legion, as well as any member of the Veterans’ Commission.

Signifying the opening of the park and a welcome home to all veterans, Veterans’ Commission members cut a yellow ribbon.

Throughout the proceedings, the rain continued but the spirit of the event could not be dampened. The park is now officially opened. It welcomes everyone to visit, sit, and reflect on those who have served and those who are still serving. Because of them, we live free.

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