Jerome Home and Arbor Rose recently celebrated their veteran resident, honoring them for their bravery, commitment and sacrifices to protect the freedom of Americans.
Lt. Col. John Hinrichs led the ceremony with his troops, the Junior Reserve Training Corps (JROTC) New Britain Color Guard, who presented the flags. Troops marched in the recreation room, followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge of Alliance.
“Without our veterans, past, present and future, we would not be the strong USA we are today and will continue to be,” said Tina Richardson, executive director for Jerome Home.
Each member of the community was recognized by name and military affiliation by Donna Valente, activities director for Arbor Rose, and Jenna Sweet, life enrichment director and volunteer coordinator for Jerome Home. They were given a certificate of honor from the American Legion, a military challenge coin, a tri-color five-point star ribbon and an American flag.
Honored veterans included:
- Robert Angelo – Army
- Edward Brady – Navy
- Arthur Crandall – Army
- Julio DelVaglio – Army
- Charles Dempsey – Air Force
- Richard Deitsch – Navy
- Ronald Edman – Army
- Bruce Ellison – Army
- James Fowble – Air Force
- Bernard Gaffney – Army
- Frank Grandone – Army
- Graham Hall – Army
- Gerald King – Navy
- Kenneth Leslie – Navy
- Alexander Pierro – Air Force
- Joseph Sambitsky – Army
- Gene Sarra – Army
- William Walsh – Army
- Aloysius Williams – Army
“No matter how big or little your job was during your time of service, you all protected our peace and sacrificed your safety for our own, and I can’t thank you enough,” said Navy Petty Officer James T. Nelson.
Dennis Beauregard of the American Legion conducted the missing man segment to show everlasting concern. That was followed by a moment of silence. Recognizing the moment of silence on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour is a tribute to the end of World War I.
The ceremony concluded with a lowering of the colors and a march outward by the Color Guard Troop.
