Richard and Linda Bixler, parents of Cpl. Stephen Bixler, USMC KIA, were Memorial Day speakers. Richard Bixler spoke eloquently of his son’s service to the nation and his ultimate sacrifice.
This year’s Memorial Day remembrance was kicked off on a beautiful morning by the traditional parade down Main Street highlighting veterans, the high school and middle school marching bands and many sports and scout groups. A good crowd gathered along the sides of Main Street to clap and cheer the parade marchers on and then moved to the Veterans Memorial for the service.
The service began with the Massing of the Colors lead by Lt Col William E. Moryto USMC Retired, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance (Daisy Troop 10962). First Selectman Moll opened the program which was followed by the Memorial Day Prayer read by VFW Post 9544 Chaplain, Gunnery Sergeant Frederick “Fritz” King, USMC Retired, the Confession of National Faith read by Kelsey Vincent, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address read by Ellen Taylor-Stearns, followed by an inspiring speech by Richard and Linda Bixler, parents of Cpl. Stephen Bixler, USMC KIA.
Next came the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony lead by Lt Col William E. Moryto, Roll Call of the Fallen read by Terry Arciszewski, Presentation of a wreath at the Memorial by First Selectman Colin Moll and Lt Col William E. Moryto and Salute to the Dead carried out by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard. A beautiful rendition of “Taps” was played by Kylie Tinnirella and Kai Loranger and a stellar “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by Vocalist Nayandeep Tummalapally.
All in all, a very touching and beautiful remembrance of our lost service people.