Resident Sigmund Hoffman (United States Army), resident James B. Dykes (Marines), resident Ralph Specht (United States Army Air Force), resident veteran Arthur Rubinstein (United States Army), Program Director Kerry Cardinal, Danbury High School Junior ROTC: Cadet Andrew Gomes, Cadet Joshua Wildman, Cadet Jacob Tomasini, Cadet Jose Gonzalez. Not in the picture: Cadet Corps Commander Sarah Eriksson as the backup color guard team member and Jim Denicola, (United States Army), VITAS veteran liaison.
A Veteran Resident “ Wall of Honor” Dedication Ceremony was presented by Jim DeNicola, United States Navy veteran at Ridgefield Crossing. DeNicola is the veteran liaison with VITAS Healthcare, which made this honorary event possible.
In January 2014, Ridgefield Crossings became the second Assisted Living Community with a designated American Legion post in Connecticut. American Legion Post 208 was formed under the direction of Tom Reed, senior vice commander of American Legion Post 100 in Bethel.
Reed worked with Kerry Cardinal, program director of Ridgefield Crossings, to ensure that the 34 resident veterans who served in W.W. II, the Korean War and Vietnam would have the designated honor of being members of American Legion Post 208.
Cardinal, who never served in the military, always hoped for a way to show appreciation to all these brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. The “Wall of Honor” was highly attended by residents, guests and family members to honor these veterans.
Opening remarks with appreciation and gratitude were given by Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Also attending was Richard Olson, district executive committee man, Post 12 in Norwalk, and Geoff Harrington color guard from the local Ridgefield Post 78.
Danbury High School Junior Air Force ROTC Color Guard performed posting of colors and the national anthem. Readings were done by veteran James Dykes and veteran Arthur Rubinstein, and a ceremonial flag folding by veteran Richard Mumma. Vocalist Jenn Bittin performed.
The post Legion Post 208 holds Wall of Honor ceremony appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.