The reunion

I don’t want to be here — yet I do. I avoid crowds and congestion. Bad things can happen in crowds. But — I’m back for the sixth or seventh consecutive year. It’s the Salisbury Central School’s Veterans Day event honoring Tri-state veterans and their service to country. The surrounding community is invited. A much appreciated, well organized and orchestrated event prepared by students, teachers and faculty. 

It keeps pulling me back like a sea siren’s song as it does other veterans. Each new year’s November event exponentially increasing veteran attendance: Air Force, Marines, Navy, Army and Coast Guard represented. 

My wife and I enter through the security checkpoint and make our way to the gym. My eyes scan all nooks and crannies — checking potential exits. I’m a bit uncomfortable but know the children will soon soothe my soul. I take a front row seat among the double row of seated veterans facing the main event. I greet friends and those veterans I have had the honor of meeting the last few years. 

I hug my grandchildren and grandnieces who will perform. The children file in, down the ramp into the gym. The preschoolers and kindergarteners are seated in the front row facing us. Grades six through first in progressive waves from behind. The children precisely seated, accompanied by their chaperons and teachers. 

uuu

Security personnel and appropriate police protection are present. It’s satisfying to see good security procedure. After all, our most precious treasures, our children, are assembled here today. A little blond-haired preschool girl with beautiful blue eyes is seated directly 12 feet across from me upon her teacher’s lap. She stares at me and smiles. I smile back. 

A local Color Guard files in and the National Anthem is played by the school band. All present remove covers (hats), place right hands over their hearts and some even join the vocals. 

Introductions are made. Each veteran rises announcing name, service, years served and personal comments. The band plays each service’s anthem. Those veterans associated with their song rise and respectfully salute the on-stage American flag. It’s a great ensemble and appreciated by us veterans. 

Some songs by the children are very heart rendering. One in particular strikes a sentimental chord with me as I stare into the eyes of the little blond girl in her cornflower dress directly in front of me. I feel my eyes moistening and hold them wide open. Waiting for the moisture to wash away, I know I must eventually blink and when I do a few tears course down both cheeks, which I try to discreetly brush away. The teacher holding the little girl is doing the same. I look down my row of veterans — ditto. 

Emotions are too often held in, except during those occasions when honor, love, respect and appreciation all come together. It’s a true life lesson for the school children and veterans alike. The children present us with personally-created “thank you for your service” cards. It’s overwhelming. 

We are invited to the recreation room for refreshments. I reluctantly comply at the urging of my wife. After this event we plan to catch a mid-afternoon meal at a local eatery. I want to leave this congestion as soon as possible. When I get into my car and buckle up, preparing to leave, I look over my shoulder knowing I can’t wait until next year’s event and then I stare at the thank you card by my side (my treasure).

God bless our children and those who teach them respect and patriotism.

Have a great weekend, all.

 

Vietnam veteran Larry Conklin of Millerton is a member of Millerton American Legion Post 178 and North Canaan, Conn., VFW Post 6851.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less