Klarides-Ditria: Final military honors planned for 8 veterans' unclaimed remains

The Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, Inc. have announced they will hold a military funeral ceremony for eight U.S. veterans’ unclaimed cremated remains. 

The remains are those of veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony on Oct. 1 (rain or shine) at 10:30 a.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. DVA Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi will lead the ceremony which will be supported by the directors of various funeral homes from across the state. In attendance will be local, state and federal Officials and members of Veterans Organizations. Commissioner Saadi, CFDA President David W. MacDonald, and other dignitaries will deliver remarks during the ceremony that will include the posthumous presentation of Connecticut Wartime Service Medals. Masks are strongly encouraged even though the event is outdoors.

At 9:40 a.m., the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders will escort four CFDA hearses containing the cremains of the eight Veterans from the DVA Rocky Hill Campus to the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.

This is the seventh such ceremony hosted by the DVA in coordination with the CFDA since 2009 when Connecticut established new protocols to identify unclaimed cremated remains of honorably discharged U.S. veterans in Connecticut funeral homes with the goal of providing them a dignified burial with full military honors.

Sincerely,

Historic photo shows Red Cross volunteers in Ansonia during WWI

I saw this photo today and asked permission from Orlando Cheech Rivera to share it. 

He runs the always interesting Memories of the Valley Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host talk on World War I memorials in CT

DERBY - Join historian Richard Franklin Donohue for The World War One Memorials of Connecticut”, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Derby Public Library. 
Donohue visited and cataloged more than 220 monuments throughout the 169 towns in Connecticut and will share trends in their design and placement, especially surrounding areas. 
Registration required at https://bit.ly/2ySNNVF or 203-736-1482. 
Co-sponsored with Derby Historical Society.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Beacon Falls Public Library to host talk on Treaty of Versailles

"On November 11, 1918, after over 4 years of unprecedented conflict, an armistice was signed ending the carnage of The Great War.
Still to be done was negotiating the final peace terms between the victorious Allied Nations and the defeated Central Powers, led by the former German Empire.

"Local historian Chris Bielik will discuss the many political, national, and ideological differences of the principal allies - the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, which led to the creation of the treaty which ultimately paved the way for the start of the Second World War a mere 20 years later."

*This is shared from Beacon Falls Public Library Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library to host World War I talk, book club, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host Women’s Forum, a discussion group which focuses on short stories and local history, at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 18.
This month’s meeting features “The Valley in World War One,” a powerpoint presentation by Patricia Sweeney. Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch. Free coffee and tea served.

Tech Talks
At 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 the Library hosts Tech Talks, a monthly program devoted to what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.

Evening Book Club
The Evening Book Club, moderated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D. will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25.

This month’s featured novel is “Murder in Mount Holly,” a mystery by Paul Theroux. Copies of the book are available at the library. Join us for an informative and stimulating discussion.

Afternoon Tea-V
The Library will host a new program,“Afternoon Tea-V,” at 1 p.m. Sept. 26.

The event features the showing of streaming-only programs, such as the first selection, “The Crown.” 

Join us for the showing and stay for a discussion. Free coffee, tea, and biscuits will be served. This will be a weekly event. 

For information on all programs call 203-734-1492. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library to host talk on Valley during WWI

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will present a powerpoint lecture by reference librarian Patricia Sweeney on “The Valley in World War One” at 6:30 p.m. Sept.12.

Topics covered will include the Derby/Shelton War Games, military products made in local factories, the flu epidemic of 1918, Liberty Bond drives, fashion, food conservation, the wartime pursuits of Frances Kellogg and her husband, architect Waldo Kellogg, and much more. 

For details, call the library,  203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian. 

100th anniversary of U.S. in WWI topic of talk at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States' involvement in World War I with a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. May 22.  

The program, dedicated to Connecticut’s contributions in the war, will include the United States’ decision of breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany in February of 1917, Gov. Holcomb’s assurance of Connecticut’s loyalty, and Connecticut’s preparations for war even before the official declaration.  

Library Local History Coordinator Chelsie Labrecque will also spotlight Derby’s efforts in the war, including lists of veterans as well as factory production.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.