Putnam 

ceremony 

to remember 

Beirut 

Barracks 

bombing

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

PUTNAM — A special military remembrance ceremony is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in Rotary Park. Organized by Brooklyn resident and Marine Mom Kat Voght in cooperation with the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13, the ceremony will commemorate the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, in the early morning hours of that fateful Oct. 23 day in 1983.  This is the third year that the ceremony has taken place in Putnam.

The bombing that remains indelibly etched in the minds and hearts of those whose loved ones died that day, their families and friends, occurred when a suicide bomber drove a truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives through multiple barriers and gates into the barracks.  The attack and explosion caused the collapse of the four story building, taking with it 241 lives of American Marines.

The attack represented the largest single one day death toll of U.S. Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII and the largest single day death toll of U.S. military personnel since the first day of the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War.

“As a Marine Mom this tragedy in our history really hit home for me.  I remembered the news reports from the time, but realized that I had never heard anything about it in the years since.  Many, including Beirut era veterans believe this act was the first major act of terrorism against the United States,” said Voght.

On Oct. 23 Voght and members of the American Legion Honor Guard will honor the memory of the 241 lives lost on this day 32 years ago with a candlelight vigil.  The ceremony will gather at the bandstand in Rotary Park at 6 p.m. and proceed the short distance to Veteran’s Memorial Park across the Quinebaug River.  

“It’s unfathomable to me that so many lives should be lost and no one remembers.  That is why I’m so passionate about keeping the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice alive.  No veteran should ever be forgotten.  Our duty is to remember these individuals,” said Voght.

Voght and American Legion Post #13 Commander Ronald P. Coderre are urging people from northeastern Connecticut to join them for this solemn ceremony commemorating those individuals who lost their lives in that fateful event.

 

 

 

Mountain Building

Putting silage away for the winter at Fairvue Farm in Woodstock. More autumn photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.

 

 

NOW 'taste' 

event

raises

$11,000+

Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. raised more than $11,000 at its 4th Annual Taste for NOW.

During what has become a signature event for the nonprofit, more than 200 people sampled beer and wine selections paired with food from 16 local restaurants, caterers, and bakeries, including: 85 Main, Bella’s Bistro, The Courthouse Bar & Grille, The Crossings, Foods & Fudge, The Inn at Woodstock Hill, J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant, Jessica Tuesday’s, The Mansion at Bald Hill, Palmeiri’s Pizza, Renee’s Working Girl Catering, Sherwood’s Restaurant, Soleil & Suns Bakery, Sweet Pea’s, The Thompson Speedway, and Victoria Station Café.  

The event featured live entertainment by acoustic duo, That Dollar’s Gone, as well as drawing items donated by local businesses. Friendly Spirits provided the beer and wine pairings and also donated 10 percent of sales made during the event to NOW.

 “We sincerely appreciate the support of the restaurants and volunteers who have worked hard to make this event happen,” said Earl Rosebrooks, Fund-raising chair for NOW. “The event would not happen without the generosity of Friendly Spirits and their continued participation. We were also very excited to work with The Mansion at Bald Hill and their beautiful, new Banquet Center this year and plan to return next year.”

Founded in 2011 by an all-volunteer board, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of Quiet Corner children by insuring each child’s access to fitness, nutrition, and athletics. Serving the 10-town area of Northeast Connecticut, NOW partners with other local youth teams, leagues, and organizations to provide scholarships to children ages 3-14 who otherwise may not be able to afford such opportunities. 

During the event, NOW President and founder, Allan Rawson, spoke about the mission of NOW and the growth the organization has experienced in the last four years. “We have a board of volunteers who have a passion for health and fitness and through their dedication, we have been able to help thousands of children access sports and wellness education.” Rawson continued, “As we move into our fifth year, we look forward to expanding our reach throughout the region.” 

The funds raised will assist the organization in their mission to introduce more local children to fitness, nutrition, and sports. The event is one of several fund-raisers NOW hosts throughout the year. Other upcoming events include the NOW Spin Event in January, the NOW Touch-A-Truck in May, and the NOW 3.5 Mile Road Race in June.

 

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