By Anna Stempien
On Saturday May 24th, circled around the Memorial Post 10112, the Cos Cob Veterans of Foreign Wars held their annual Memorial Day Ceremony, inviting the community to gather and celebrate a day of remembrance to honor those who gave their lives in action.
As the American flags waved in the breeze, the packed crowd of Greenwich residents, families, and veterans stood in silent reflection. Among the audience, Cos Cob VFW Post members recognized the first selectman, the police chief, town representatives, and the Cos Cob scout troops.
The ceremony not only paid tribute to fallen soldiers but also commemorated two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, established in 1899 after the Spanish-American War. These anniversaries served as powerful reminders of the VFW’s enduring mission – to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Their outreach efforts include holding events at the Cos Cob elementary school and supporting scholarships, to name a few.
VFW Veterans remark that this holiday is a time to reflect on our brave defenders, and their purpose to help alleviate our country’s conflicts. They noted that such reflection offers a moment for people to take a moment out of their busy lives to “pause, pray, honor, and commemorate all those who sacrificed their life for our society and remember the loved ones who are no longer with us,” as one veteran, Bill Cameron, shared. He noted that he believed Memorial day, in addition to its purpose of mourning and honoring those in service, is also a day to remember their loved ones. He comments, “let us also remember and remember their [soldiers’] loved ones, mothers, fathers, siblings, sweethearts, spouses, children, and friends who loved and supported them during life and who deeply suffered when their loved one died in battle or in service to our country.”
The event concluded with an announcement promoting the VFW’s ongoing used book drive. Community members were encouraged to bring used books that they no longer need, which the VFW will donate to the Holly Hill Book Swap at the Town of Greenwich Recycling Center.
Saturday’s ceremony was not just a day of recognition, but also a celebration of unity and the lasting effects of service. Attendees were reminded to enjoy the freedom that was so diligently fought for and made possible through the sacrifices of those before them.
“Their sacrifices will always be cherished,” Cameron closed.
