Page 56 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 54 Late Spring 2025

The Vietnam War – 1955-1975

The town of Wallingford counted out 686 young men. All
Martha Shea Rosalie DeCrosta Bev Churchill Rosemary DeAngelis names are engraved on the memorial including my brother,
John Churchill. We lost 12 in various battles, to include one
Ross was present to photograph and eventually place the onboard the USS Forrestal. Edward Dorsey.
days pics on the town website. Thank you, Ray! Always at
the right place at the right time, eh? Sad and tragic losses are as follows:
● Timothy Keller ● Wayne Robbins
Other invited guests and speakers were our town’s Mayor, ● Richard Johnson, Jr ● Martin Andersen
Vinnie Cervoni. Veteran Service Officer, George Messier. CT
State Senator Paul Cicarella and State Representative Mary ● Gene Fecteau ● Dominic Preira
Mushinsky. Another special someone, Kenneth Polanski ● Renald Gagne ● Richard Wolcheski
graced our room as well. Kenneth was the inspiration, de- ● Richard DeAngelis ● William Fenton
signer, engraver of our town’s Vietnam memorial located in ● Robert Miglierina ● Edward Dorsey
Dutton Park. Installed in 1984. An array of townspeople and
committees dedicated to come together to see this come to Lest We Forget
fruition. A truly unique and inspiring monument.
Wallingford Veterans Coffee House, since 2017 meets on a
Our Pledge Of Allegiance was led by our own Jerry Augus- regular monthly basis to include a military speaker.
tine. Hats off, hands over hearts, prominent salutes as well.
The National Anthem started low and soft, slowly building, Come to the Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington St.
clusters of voices joining in. It was suddenly a truly moving All veterans bring a family member or friend!
and solemn feeling of pride in that room. It all melded into
one voice. The voice of America. Always the 4th Tuesday. 9:30-11:30. A light breakfast and
coffee is served compliments of area businesses and senior
center staff. A holiday buffet in December is provided by do-
nors and our own veterans!

The Wallingford Veterans Coffee House (VCH) would like to
Thank our very special Sponsors for their generosity, honor-
ing our Veterans and being part of our family.
● Tuxis-Ohr’s Fuel & Oil
● Quality Subaru Wallingford CT.
● MedicareCT.com & Health Insurance Associactes
● Mt. Carmel Congregational Church
● American Legion Post 187
Pledge of Allegiance
We would also like to recognize the WPAA TV, Record Jour-
Today they no longer wear the green fatigues, but they still nal, WTNH- Good Morning Connecticut, Ray Ross Photog-
wear and show their pride and honor of service. Their hats rapher.
tell their branch of service, perhaps the ship they served on,
the ribbons, badges and American flags sewn to their hat or Last but not least, I would also like to recognize Ken Mar-
vest. So when you see him walking down the isle or headed shall Catering. He prepared a wonderful feast! His expertise
for the door, stop and say “hello Sir”, thank you. That’s all and kindness were evident. He paid special attention to ev-
they want and need to hear at times. That’s what I do and ery detail. Kudos Ken and Thank You!
suddenly they stand a little more up-right, their shoulders
get a bit more straight and broader, their voice a little deep- On a lighter note, this magazine writer once known as Bev-
er. They look me in the eye and quickly nod and keep walk- erly Sniegowski has proudly reverted back to her maiden
ing. No fear is felt, he’s just this guy that wants to be noticed name, CHURCHILL. Still the same, different name!
and accepted still.
bfayechurch@aol.com

56 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - LATE SPRING 2025