Wreath Laid; Sacrifices Remembered

On a cloudy morning on the Green, ten veterans appeared in crisp pressed uniforms, bowing their heads.

Standing in front of the World War I Memorial Flagpole, the veterans gathered with Mayor Justin Elicker Wednesday to honor Veterans Day.

Some veterans were members of the Mayor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, which oversees events for holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The event began promptly at 11 a.m. amidst the tolling church bells. Former Staff Sgt. Charles Pickett emceed the program, which began with an opening prayer led by Sgt. Grace Conroy and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Elicker spoke along with Master Sgt. Frank Alvarado and Col. Kenneth Gertz. Due to the pandemic, the ceremony was limited in scope and distanced.

“It’s a time to remember all of our veterans and their families,” said Master Sgt. Alvarado. He has been on the committee under four mayors, he said. He served in the army for two years of the Vietnam War. After an 18-year break, he served in the Connecticut National Guard for another 21 years.

“We would not have the many freedoms we are privileged with today if it weren’t for your sacrifices,” said Mayor Elicker.

He spoke of the challenges facing the country a century ago, ranging from a pandemic to World War I. Citing the current pandemic, he urged New Haveners to see this history as ​“a reminder that we will get through this,” noting the importance of the military in the nation’s Covid-19 response.

“Let us savor our time today, not just this moment but throughout the day to honor the sacrifices of so many,” he concluded. 

After the remarks, the veterans laid two wreaths on the base of the flagpole. You can watch it in the above video.

“It’s a very emotional day for all of us, you know, because of the people we’ve lost,” said Officer Carl Harvey, who served in the Navy for 35 years.

“It’s not only the veterans, but their families as well,” said Master Sgt. Alvarado. ​“We salute the veterans and salute their families, because their families sacrifice a lot.” His family has been in the military for four generations, starting with his father all the way to his grandson.

“Veterans Day is a bit special for me, because I left my deployment in 2011 on Veterans’ Day Weekend,” said Staff Sgt. Pickett. Pickett, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, lives in New Haven and works as an English teacher. ​“Now, I like it much more than my birthday. It’s something I’ve earned.”

Master Sgt. Clifford Potter spoke to the importance of unity: ​“Col. Gertz said one time, ​‘We wear this uniform for those who can’t anymore.’ So it’s my uniform, but I’m not alone in here,” he said. Master Sgt. Potter started out in the army in 1967, serving in Vietnam. Afterwards, he joined the National Army Guard, then the National Air Guard. 

“All the guys and gals that sacrificed their lives, they’re in here with me. So I make sure I put it on with great care,” he said.