Cornwall students honor veterans

Cornwall students honor veterans
Colonel Kirk Harrington visited CCS on Nov. 8. 
Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — The student body of Cornwall Consolidated School led a ceremony of gratitude for veterans of the armed forces on Thursday, Nov. 9. 

In total, nine veterans from varying branches of service spent a morning with the students. Servicemen were represented from every major conflict going back to World War II.

The ceremony began with breakfast in the cafeteria. The veterans shared a meal and conversation with the eighth graders before moving to the gymnasium with the full student body.

The CCS band performed a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then selected speakers from each grade posited questions to the veterans.

A fourth grader named Alpha asked, “What inspired you to join the service?”  

“My grandfather had served in World War II. My father had served in the Air Force for a number of years. So I just wanted to follow in their footsteps and continue that legacy,” said Jake Thulin, Army veteran and current night custodian at CCS.

“I was drafted,” said Robert Parker, Army veteran of World War II. 

Fifth grader Pippa asked the veterans to share their most memorable experience.

“Coming home,” said Col. Kirk Harrington, commander of Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan.

The veterans each received student-made gifts to thank them for their service.

“I’m just so tickled to know that the eighth grade class has done this ceremony over the past seven years and they’re fully aware of what this day is,” said Navy veteran Casey Cook. “This is why we serve.”

Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

Alfred Lyon Ivry

Alfred Lyon Ivry

SALISBURY — Alfred Lyon Ivry, a long-time resident of Salisbury, and son of Belle (Malamud) and Morris Ivry, died in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Feb. 12 at the age of 91, surrounded by family members. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was a graduate ofAbraham Lincoln High School and Brooklyn College, where he earned a B.A. in English literature and Philosophy and served as drama critic for the school paper.

Alfred earned a PhD in Medieval Jewish Philosophy from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1963 and in 1971 was awarded a D. Phil in Medieval Islamic Philosophy from Oxford University, Linacre College.

Keep ReadingShow less

Alice Gustafson

Alice Gustafson

LAKEVILLE — Alice Gustafson (née Luchs), 106, of Lakeville, Connecticut, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born in Chicago on Dec. 15, 1919, Alice was raised between New York City, Florida and Lime Rock, where she graduated from Salisbury High School in 1937.

Alice’s career spanned roles at Conover-Mast Publications in New York City, The Lakeville Journal, the Interlaken Inn, and as a secretary to the past president of Smith College. In 1948, she married Herbert “Captain Gus” Gustafson at Trinity Church in Lime Rock.

Keep ReadingShow less

Larry Power

Larry Power

LAKEVILLE — Larry Power passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026.

Larry was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City in 1939.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Carol Hoffman Matzke

Carol Hoffman Matzke

KENT — Carol L. Hoffman Matzke passed away peacefully with family by her side on Feb. 22, 2026.

She was a beloved mother and stepmother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, community member, and friend.Her presence will be deeply missed. She had a beautiful way of loving, accepting, and supporting all the many members of her vast family, and of welcoming others into her family circle. She was intelligent and well-informed about history and current events, and she took a genuine interest in knowing and understanding everyone she met, from friends and family right down to the stranger who stood next to her in line at the grocery store. Kind and generous, her family and friends knew that she would do anything in her power to help and support them.

Keep ReadingShow less

In remembrance: Grace E. Golden

In remembrance:
Grace E. Golden

As we reflect on the first year of our mom’s passing we can be grateful to God for having the best mother and grandmother of all.

We miss you every day and still struggle with your loss.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cornwall signs contract for new fire trucks

From left, is First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Dick Sears and CVFD Chief Will Russ signed the contract for two new fire trucks March 3.

Provided

CORNWALL — Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department and the Board of Selectmen signed the contract for two new fire trucks Tuesday, March 3.

The custom rescue pumper and mini pumper will be manufactured by Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.