Town Diary - November 2000

Honoring veterans at Barkhamsted Center - November 11, 2000

Veterans Day ceremonies were conducted in Barkhamsted on the green of the Center Cemetery.  People starting gathering just before 11 a.m. in a light rain on a gray Saturday.  David Gidman starting the ceremony with the ringing of the bell which originally hung in the Universalist Church in Barkhamsted Hollow.

Photo above showing people gathering for Veterans Day ceremonies at Barkhamsted Center.

Lt. Colonel William Boyle, master of ceremonies, introduced First Selectman Mike Fox who welcomed those in attendance.  Mr. Fox spoke of the importance of events such as this and of honoring veterans from all conflicts regardless of whether society has labeled them "good" wars or "bad" wars.
Barkhamsted First Selectman Mike Fox (nearest Ct. State flag pole) with opening remarks.

A period of silence was observed, followed by remarks and a prayer from Father John Bowler of New Hartford.  William Sexauer then placed a wreath on the Soldiers Monument in honor of all veterans.  Mr. Sexauer, a Barkhamsted resident and former 3rd Selectman of Barkhamsted, saw action in World War II in many areas.  He served as a corpsman (medic) in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and landed with the 4th Infantry Division at Utah Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.  Later he served in the Pacific as preparations were being made to invade Japan.

William Sexauer of Barkhamsted places a wreath on the Soldiers Monument.

David Gidman then tolled the bell eleven times.  November 11th was originally designated as Armistice Day to recognize the end of World War I when the peace ending that war was finalized on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.  Father John Bowler concluded the day's ceremony with a closing prayer.

Bell ringer David Gidman, organizer-in-chief of the Veterans Day ceremony.