Video: Veterans Day Marked with Sorrow, Pride

John Beiling fought in Korean War and doesn't discriminate on Veterans Day.

As he sat in his wheelchair and waited for Westport's ceremony to begin in Town Hall, he hoped all veterans, regardless of what their service was like, will be honored today.

"I don't care if you scrubbed pots and pans," he said. "You deserve to be recognized just as much as anyone else."

The annual ceremony was marked with the poignancy of Taps, the spiritualism of sacrifice and hope for America's future.

Sean Gallagher, a Staples High School senior enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, bridged the gap between the older veterans and the younger generations when he addressed the audience.

He spoke of his grandfather, who served in World War II with honor but never talked about his experiences. It wasn't until two weeks after his grandfather's death that Gallagher discovered his Distinguished Flying Cross, given only to those who demonstrate "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."

"I have not earned the amazing life I've been given," he said. "The men and women that served in the past have earned it for me."

Having a student speaker is an annual tradition, and Bill Vornkahl, master of ceremonies, spoke highly of the young students who enlist.

"Each year I call Staples and they send a student," he said. "Every year we have not been disappointed.

Veterans who served during peace and also in war were present at the ceremony. First Selectman Gordon Joseloff was heartened that so many people were in attendance.

"We've had observances in the past where, frankly, it hasn't been this crowded," he said. "I'm especially delighted to see young people participating."

As the ceremony ended and the patriotic tunes performed by the Westport Community Band came to an end, the audience mingled outside the auditorium. Some chatted idly with friends. Others shared their experiences.

Antonio St. Lorenzo, a Westport resident and Vietnam veteran, wore his Purple Heart medal around his neck. Most of his orders during the war have been redacted by the government due to his proximity to Laos and Cambodia. Now, he spreads the word about the Wounded Warriors Project, which provides services to severely injured veterans.

Anne Beers dressed in red, white and blue. During World War II she was a pharmacist in a hospital for veterans returning from Japan. She was 20 years old at the time. Her sister, brother and father also served in the military.

"I almost cried in there," she said, referencing the ceremony.

Arthur Henry, who served in Vietnam, held a Prisoners of War-Missing in Action flag near the podium during the ceremony. This day is indescribably important to him.

"It means a lot to me," he said. "I don't know where to start."