Derby thanks veterans at annual ceremony

Photo by Markanthony Izzo. 

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto was among those invited to speak at the city’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony Wednesday on hosted by the American Legion, John C. Collins Post 24.
Though rain forced the ceremony to be moved from the Green to the Veterans’ Memorial Building, it was no less significant. 
The ceremony concluded with a catered luncheon for all those in attendance, compliments of the Derby Inaugural Ball Community Fund.
Dugatto honored veterans for their courage and selflessness. 
“Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields," she said. "They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. 
"They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times,” Dugatto said.

She also expressed appreciation to the family members of our service men and women for their sacrifices. “We know they have lived through difficult times and have often taken on heavy loads in the absence of their family members,” Dugatto said.
The annual ceremony, marked with a traditional salute and taps, is only one of many ways the community has chosen to honor its veterans over the years.
Derby is host to several memorials erected throughout the city in honor of veterans dating back to the Civil War. Notably, a 144-acre park on the east side of Derby is named in honor of World War II veteran Frank P. Witek, Derby native and Medal of Honor recipient who lost his life in 1944 on the island of Guam.
The city of Derby also supports the efforts of the Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562 annual holiday fund drive that distributes monetary gifts to local men and women serving in the military at home or abroad during the holidays. 
Information about this year’s drive will be released soon.
“Today, we should all take a moment to say Thank You to those who served our country,” Dugatto said.


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.