MONROE, Conn. — Rain forced the cancelation of Monroe’s annual parade, but the Memorial Day Ceremony proceeded indoors at Town Hall with the theme “Honoring Our Heroes” on Sunday.
Led by Master of Ceremonies William Davin, who is the town’s fire marshal, local and state officials spoke about the significance of the day and honored Lee R. Hossler, U.S. Army National Guard Civil Air Patrol from 1957-65, who passed away this year, but not before leaving a significant impact on the town.
First Selectman Terry Rooney said Hossler was a public servant and friend to everybody, involved in a variety of activities throughout town such as the cleanup of Stepney Green and the Save Our Stepney Task Force’s annual tree lighting.
“It just tugs at the emotional bone inside of all of us,” Rooney said remembering important people in our lives who protected us and our country.
Rooney recognized Hossler’s wife, Dotti, and son, Michael, giving Dotti a hug and flowers during the ceremony.
Hossler was widely regarded as the consummate community volunteer, leaving a lasting impact on the community through his public service, which earned him the honor of being named Monroe’s Outstanding Citizen in 2017.
Hossler returned home from his service and went on to have a positive impact on Monroe, but others did not, making the ultimate sacrifice so others could enjoy the freedoms our country offers.
“There are people out there, every day, making sure we’re safe and that’s what this day is about,” said Rooney, adding that the people who don’t make it home need to be honored.
State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, said his favorite part of the parade each year is handing out flags and that it is important to teach the younger generations what Memorial Day means.
But with the parade being called off and the ceremony forced inside, the silver lining, State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, noted, is that ceremony attendees see how strong the town’s involvement on Memorial Day is even under this year’s weather circumstances.
“You can barely fit everybody and that says a lot about Monroe,” Perillo said to an overflowing crowd at Town Hall.
David York, chaplain of Monroe Fire Services, also addressed attendees, giving the invocation and benediction, as the town celebrates America’s 250th year. The presentation of wreathes also took place.
Masuk High School student Will Barrett sang the “National Anthem” and Monroe resident Maria Verma sang “America the Beautiful.” Trumpeters Santiago Ordonez and Michael Ances played “Taps.”
Parade committee members who were recognized included Rooney, Chairperson Vida Stone, Christine Burns, Ray Ganser, Dr. Paul Moyse, Jonathan Stone and Bob Tranzillo.
Also recognized were master gardener Barbara Thomas, parade committee member Dr. Paul Moyse (founder of the Mile Down The Pike race), the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of Public Works/Highway Department, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department and the Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
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