National Guard colonel speaks at Shelburne Memorial Day event

Approximately 120 people gathered at the Veterans Memorial in Shelburne this past Monday to observe Memorial Day with a ceremony conducted by the Shelburne Veterans Committee.

Committee Chair, Ret. Colonel Bud Ockert welcomed everyone with remarks focused on the solemnity and importance of the day. He recognized WWII veteran Arthur Kunin and Korean War veteran Loriman Brigham for their heroism.

Master of Ceremonies Tom Little introduced guest speaker, Col. Laura P. Caputo, commander of the 158th Maintenance Group, 158th Flight Wing Vermont Air National Guard, whose address shared her own deepening appreciation for the importance of honoring those veterans who gave their lives in service to their country. Col. Caputo reflected on her own impressive military career with great humility.

The Shelburne Community School Brass Quintet, led by Tim Buckingham, provided beautiful renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner, Finlandia Song of Peace, and Taps. Rev. Greg Smith gave both the Invocation and the Benediction for the ceremony.

Boy Scout Troop No. 602 played an integral role in the ceremony with the announcement of the new veterans’ bricks installed at the monument this year, as well as the presentation of the flag and the memorial wreath.

The beautiful wreath was once again donated by In Full Bloom of Shelburne. Quilts of Valor, a national organization, presented eight handmade, donated quilts made by volunteers to the following Shelburne Veterans: Angelo Pizzagalli, Charles Bissonnette, Roger Arel, Fritz Horton, Loriman Brigham, John Mercure, Roland Limoge and John Hammer. The ceremony ended with the veterans in attendance lining up and being thanked individually by the rest of those gathered.