Vietnam vet delivers moving words in Cornwall

Vietnam vet delivers moving words in Cornwall

Warren Stevens fires his musket on Memorial Day.

Tom Brown

CORNWALL — Several ceremonies were held around Cornwall in recognition of Memorial Day.

On Monday morning, beneath vibrant blue skies, services began with a 9 a.m. ceremony at the North Cornwall Cemetery. At 10 a.m., the Seamans Memorial was held in West Cornwall at the covered bridge.

At 11 a.m., the parade marched through Cornwall Village. Stopping at the green, David Cadwell was the master of ceremony as well as the guest speaker.

Cadwell served in the Vietnam War as a medic.

He spoke of the day tragedy struck his unit in the jungle. During a firefight, he said, his squad was struck by artillery. His captain and three others died. He later returned to his platoon where his fellow troops had heard a medic died and expected it to be Cadwell.

“I relive that reunion with my band of brothers every Memorial Day,” Cadwell said. “I stand in front of you all this Memorial Day as someone who has returned from the dead, speaking for those we memorialize today to remind you what is so obvious: It is good to be alive, and even better that we take the time to remind each other.”

He dedicated his speech to his captain, Johnny Ward Jr.

Cadwell said moving to Cornwall 38 years ago helped him take the worst day of his life “and replace it with today, one of the best. Where I got to ride in the parade with the old geezers — I’m sorry, the beloved veterans,” Cadwell said as the crowd laughed. “I got to share my story with my fellow friends and neighbors. And now I’ll make one final request: For you to ask a veteran in your life to tell you their story.”

Cadwell’s full speech and more of Cornwall’s ceremony was uploaded to YouTube by Richard Griggs.

The VFW Citizenship Award was given to Town Clerk Vera Dineen for her years of service to Cornwall.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less