By Cathy Iino, Killingworth First Selectman.
Hello, Killingworth–
On Memorial Day 2020, Killingworth has been finding ways in a time of pandemic to honor those who have fought to defend America’s commitment to liberty and justice for all.
This morning, a number of families volunteered to place American flags and pennies on the graves of veterans at Evergreen Cemetery. Amy Sheppard-Aronson, U.S. Navy veteran Bob Muldoon, and Killingworth Lion Charlie Smith organized the effort carefully, to guard the safety of all. Bob Muldoon explains the meaning of the pennies: “The penny is a traditional sign that someone has stopped by the grave of a veteran and paid their respects. This small symbol reminds us of these veterans and their sacrifices that they made for our freedom.”
On Sunday, about eight Boy Scouts placed flags at Union Cemetery and left a penny on each veteran’s grave. The scouts divided the cemetery into quadrants and began to map the locations of the graves, in the hope that the map will be useful in future years.
Taps Across America. Heather Temple, president of the Killingworth Women’s Organization, is spreading the word about an effort by CBS News journalist Steve Hartman and retired Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva to keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive: they are asking veterans, musicians, teachers, and students to sound taps at 3:00 p.m. today outside their homes. We may not hear everyone who does this in Killingworth, but the air will vibrate with their solemn notes.
Killingworth Memorial Day Video. A video featuring many townspeople who, in other years, would participate in the parade and service will be shown at 4:00 and 7:54 pm today on Channel 18, and can be watched on Youtube.
Please take a moment to remember those who sacrifices allow us to celebrate today.
Stay safe.
Cathy
Photo by Tim Gannon
