Parades, ceremonies mark Memorial Day
(WTNH) _ Ceremonies are being held all over Connecticut and America today to remember servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. President Clinton spent the morning at Arlington National Cemetery, and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President also urged Americans to pray for the NATO troops taking part in the Kosovo mission. In Washington, five more names were added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall.

There were parades and ceremonies throughout Connecticut Monday to honor those who served and died in the US military.
News Channel 8's Jayne Saffer reports on events in Bloomfield.

Memorial Day carries a special meaning for veterans who march annually in this parade. Many remember fellow soldiers who lost their lives in the name of freedom.

Robert Steinberg, Vietnam Veteran: "I was honored to go over and fight with my comrades, do what I could for my country, and I'm not sorry I did. I was lucky. I was one of the fortunate ones who made it back."

Several veterans, school and community groups joined together to honor those men and women who served their country in a time of need. Doris Connery was with the woman's auxiliary volunteer emergency services.

Doris Connery, Bloomfield: "We were doing something for our county. We were helping out while the boys were overseas. We were doing our jobs here."

Master of Ceremonies: "When you think of them each Memorial Day perhaps say thank you."

Giving thanks is exactly what many young people did today. Members of the Bloomfield High R.O.T.C. say its important for their generation to pay their respects.

Tiffany Caruso, Bloomfield High J.R.O.T.C.: "We appreciate what they did for us, and that they are very important to us as United States American citizens."

Everton Codling, Bloomfield High JROTC: "We're doing it to honor the memory of these people, because they fought and gave their lives for our freedom."

On the town green in Bloomfield there are four monuments dedicated to those men and women who served in World War I, WWII, The Korean and Vietnam wars.

Bill Patterson, World War II Veteran: "My honor is that my grandchildren will know I served in WWII, and now I have enjoyed 50 years of peace."

But many are worried that ground troops may be sent into Kosovo.

"I hope its not necessary to do it because the toll would be terrific. I hope they can come to an amicable agreement."

Patterson: "God is good to all of us. He means for us to have peace on Earth and good will."

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