Vietnam War veteran Ray Aakjar of Sharon accepts a citation during a Veterans’ Ceremony hosted by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch on June 18. To the left are the three selectmen: Lynn Kearcher, John Brett and Casey Flanagan.
CORNWALL/SHARON — Local veterans were formally recognized last week when Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, along with Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, came to honor them.
They were in Cornwall on Monday, June 16, at which most of those who gathered had served during the Vietnam War-era. The pair held another gathering in Sharon on Wednesday, June 18.
Bysiewicz told both groups that when she was secretary of state, she learned that the country was losing 1,500 of the greatest generation (those who served in World War II) every day. Wanting to do something before it was too late, she hosted 140 veterans’ events from 2008 to 2010 and had the opportunity to honor 2,000 individuals.
From that spawned the idea to host such ceremonies for veterans from the Korean and Vietnam eras. Korean vets have been honored in 120 towns and those who served in Vietnam in 115 towns.
There were 36,000 American casualties recorded in Korea and 58,000 in Vietnam.
Bysiewicz talked about the similarities in both those wars; they were never officially declared or formally concluded, and those returning home didn’t get the proper greeting. “Some from Vietnam were never treated well because the war was not wanted and it was taken out on the soldiers,” she said.
She stressed the importance of honoring those still alive, noting 500 Korean vets are being lost every day and 600 who were in Vietnam. But she was proud to remind them that they never stopped serving. They came home to volunteer in their communities, joined veterans’ organizations, raised beautiful families and devoted themselves to civic services.
“We are so grateful that you preserved and protected our freedoms,” Bysiewicz said.
Ron Welch, the commissioner of Veterans Affairs, himself and his son veterans of the Afghanistan War, told the audience that returning to civilian life is never easy and urged them not to hesitate to ask for services. “Take advantage of all that we offer,” he said.
In Cornwall, all the vets were from the Vietnam era, except for Huntington Williams, who proudly stood up when it was announced he had been in the Korean conflict. He came from a military background with his father having served in World War 1. David Cadwell said, “I enjoy hearing, ‘Thank you for your service.’”
Bill Berry said he always was interested in the military. His father died in 1952 in a bomber plane.
Bill Lyon came clutching his Marine hat. After serving, he was in the Reserves for six years. “There’s not a lot of credence given to the Reserves, but we did what everyone else did.” Jonathan Ingersoll VIII said, “I appreciate this small ceremony. It’s nice to be formally welcomed back into society.”
Others from Cornwall are: Richard Kearns, Douglas Pelletier, Jr., Marc “Doc” Simont, Anthony Sterzl and Guy “Max” Ule, Jr.
In Sharon, First Selectman Casey Flanagan gave a message, saying they were there to recognize what all these men had done for the country and the sacrifices made to protect freedoms. He spoke of a recent visit to the town’s War Memorial for inspiration. “There, I felt a powerful connection to the past. I didn’t know them, but I’m deeply aware of the legacy they left behind.”
He continued, “I feel the weight of their sacrifices shaped this country and those who call Sharon home. I can’t feel the pain or the sacrifices you made, but you set an example for me, the town and those who follow. I hope you’re as proud of us as we are of you.”
Bysiewicz went around the room, asking the veterans to comment.
Rick Stone and his brother Howard Stone were in Vietnam at the same time. “The food wasn’t great and the weather was usually warm, but I made good friends,” said Rick Stone. Robert Loucks relayed a harrowing story about a bomb that was found in the bottom of a body of water that had fallen off an aircraft and hade to be detonated.
Richard Kopec said, “I wouldn’t wish it (serving in war) on anybody, but it made me who I am today. I learned what you can do if you put your mind to it.” He is writing a book about his experiences and battle with PTSD. Robert Nickson said, “The experience was invaluable. I wouldn’t change those five years.”
Others from Sharon are: Ray Aakjar, Gordon Braislin, Norman Day, Richard DeAngelis, Bull Moon Rising, Neil Pedersen, John Perotti, Robert Pittenger, Rolf Hohlfeld and Gary Tuthill.
A moment of silence was observed at the Sharon ceremony for Michael John Carley, a local young man who was killed in combat.
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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.
The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.
Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.
Historically, HVRHS has hosted night games for boys and girls soccer and the GNH football team, but when members of the soccer team asked the athletic director, Anne MacNeil, she left it up to the students to acquire the lights necessary to host a night game.
“I said, ‘Hey, if you can find the lights, we can make it happen,’” MacNeil said. “I usually take control of it, but I really wanted to have the teams have the initiative and take responsibility for it. I think by having them do that, they have a lot more invested in it.”
Finding lights for the game was a challenge in and of itself, and it fell on the students, parents, and alumni to come together if there was to be a night game at all.
Luckily for the players, Patricia and Dino Labbadia, parents of senior Anthony Labaddia, were able to amass the support of the community and get all the necessary equipment donated for the night game.
“We’re fortunate with our communities. Our parents know people in communities and they were able to ask… [and] find the resources,” MacNeil said. “We’ve got a great senior group and senior parent group who have really taken charge … and really made the whole season possible.”
In the end, the night came together spectacularly, and the senior ceremonies, rivalry games, and nighttime fixtures made for a memorable night on the day before Homecoming.
The action began at 4 p.m. Thursday, when the JV Girls Volleyball team played rivals Lakeview High School at home.
At 4:30, the middle school boys soccer team as well as the cross country team faced Northwestern at Housatonic’s lower field and cross country course respectively. Also at 4:30, the JV boys soccer team took on rival Lakeview at Housatonic’s upper field.
At 5:15, the girls varsity volleyball team honored their seniors at Housatonic’s Senior Night ceremony, including captains Katie Crane and Victoria Brooks, before an intense match against Lakeview.
At 6:15, the boys varsity soccer team honored their seniors, including captains Everet Belancik and Abram Kirshner, before kicking off under the lights at Housatonic’s upper field against the Bobcats.
Friday night changes
Typically, Homecoming is hosted in the cafeteria with a DJ and the entire room open as a dance floor. Dancing is the main event, with a small photo op stationed next to one of the exits.
The typical formal dance filled with LED lights and glitter looked a bit different this year. For the HVRHS 2025 Homecoming, the activities all took place outside. There was a large bonfire for students to hang around, a tented area perfect for dancing, and lawn games to play.
The inspiration for this change comes from the Homecoming hosted during the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions put into place at the time. Senior class President Madison Graney said “Other years passed, graduating classes really enjoyed it and we wanted to give it a try.”
Although the theme of Homecoming remains the same, new tasks came in preparation for the event. Including the Bonfire “adds a whole new component,” Graney said. “[We] have to contact the fire department to ensure that the bonfire is being contained.” Hosting the dance outside also demanded “more preparation the day before … set up the tents and make sure it’s a safe and fun space for everyone to enjoy.”
Opinions about Homecoming’s new look vary amongst the student body, with some excited for change and others comfortable with the familiarity of an inside dance. Alexa Meach, an HVRHS senior, expressed that “Everyone that I’ve talked to’s plan is to get dressed up, take photos, and then change into more comfortable clothes because it’s going to be freezing. I feel like we could have had a different event for the bonfire. I think they could have been two separate events.”
Graney said the change is “A really great way to change up the tradition ... [and] another good way to get to know your peers and your teachers and interact with the student body all at once.”
