Students, city honor veterans at Ansonia service

ANSONIA - Gordon-Visselli Post 50, American Legion hosted its annual Veterans Day program Tuesday at Veterans Park next to City Hall.

The Rev. Dominick Tuzzi, representing the Disabled American Veterans, offers an invocation. Next to him is Ansonia Alderman Patrick Henri, a U.S. Navy veteran and Master of Ceremonies. 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti said, "Our veterans have fought to protect the freedoms that many of us take for granted. One day a year is not enough to thank all of our veterans." 
At left is U.S. Army Lt. Col. Phil Tripp, president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. Patrick Henri is at right.

Nikita Dainiak, a fifth grader at John G. Prendergast School, reads her essay about the importance of Veterans Day. She said her father served in the Army and her grandfather was in the Navy Seabees during World War II. 
Nikita was one of six students who read aloud their essays about why Americans honor their veterans.

Guest speaker Lt. Col. Phil Tripp, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, said, "Never forget we live in the land of the free because of the brave."  

Mayor David S. Cassetti poses with Ansonia students after the service. 
Pictured from left in front are Janae Yumiceba and Nikita Dainiak. Back row from left, Alyssa Orlofsky, Anna Msciwujeska, Cassetti, Gabby Gjoni, and Jamesyn Brothers. Colby Trembley was selected to read his essay but he did not attend.

This monument is in the center of the war memorial in Veterans Park. 
It reads: "Lest We Forget - This memorial is dedicated by the grateful citizens of the City of Ansonia to preserve and honor the memory of all those brave men and women who served our country so selflessly in time of conflict." 

The wreath was presented by Gordon-Visselli Post 50, and Bill Richie, a Post member, played Taps.