MONROE, CT — The American Legion Post 176 of Monroe and Post 160 of Easton will hold Veterans Day memorial services on Stepney Green on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend, acknowledge and remember the veteran’s contributions and sacrifices.
The Sippin-Winspur Post 176 is led by Commander Vic Yanosy and the Charles L. Ruman Post 160 is led by Commander Donald Rodgerson. They will officiate the ceremony.
Community leaders from Monroe and Easton, along with decorated veterans and members of the Women’s Auxiliary, will participate in the ceremony. Bishop Rodrigues from the Lady of the Holy Rosary will provide the opening prayer and Reverend Kevin Merritt of Stepney Baptist Church will offer the Benediction.
The History of this special day: The Great War, as World War I is known, ended on the 11th hour on the 11thday of the 11th month of 1918. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside of Compiegne, France.
In 1919 this day was named Armistice Day. The name continued until President Dwight D. Eisenhower coined the name Veterans Day in 1954. The name still stands today.
The Save Our Stepney Task Force places 13 American Flags on the green to commemorate Flags Over Stepney. The American flags are flown for each of our nation’s six patriotic events: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, September 11th and Veterans Day.
In addition to the American flags, a flag is flown for each branch of the United States armed services.
