Colon will pay tribute to military veterans past, present and future on July 4 with a program billed as “A Day of Remembrance.”
In addition to unveiling a Blue Star Memorial plaque at Community Park, the town will dedicate a new military display at the Colon Museum.
Colon Museum board member Joe Ganger adjusts his uniform, one of several on display in the museum’s new military wing, which will be dedicated during ceremonies on July 4. The community will also unveil a Blue Star Memorial plaque at Community Park, with the program starting at 1 p.m. (Click on photo to enlarge)
The program, open to the public at no cost, will begin at 1 p.m. at Community Park on Colon Road. A Blue Star Memorial plaque will be unveiled at the park, with speakers representing the Colon Garden Club, Colon Museum and veterans.
After the program, participants will walk to the nearby museum where the military display will be open to the general public for the first time.
Blue Star Memorials, sponsored by the National Garden Club, started in New Jersey with the planting of dogwoods as a living tribute to Americans serving in World War II. A blue star serves as the centerpiece of the memorials, symbolizing the blues stars on the World War II service flags that hung in many homes. Americans generally placed one star on the flags for each family member serving in the military.
The museum’s new military wing honors all of the community’s veterans. Family members representing Sgt. Robert Bryan and Sgt. Elwin Lamb — two Colon residents who were killed in the Vietnam War — will be introduced during the ceremonies. The display includes uniforms, flags, medals and other personal items belonging to some of the veterans who either grew up or lived in the Colon area.
Colon Museum board members Marlene Bryan (left) and Sherry Engle pose with a uniform belonging to the late Sgt. Robert Bryan, one of several local veterans whose personal items are on display in the new military wing. Ceremonies on July 4 will dedicate the military display and unveil a Blue Star Memorial plaque at Community Park. (Click on photo to enlarge)
In addition to speakers, the program will include performances of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Missy Wagner Mettler of Sturgis and “Taps” by Todd Schwartz. Scottish bagpipers Richard and Jenni Koontz of Mendon will close the program with “Amazing Grace.” Patriot Guards will participate in the ceremonies.
Other activities taking place in Colon on July 4 are a parade starting at 11 a.m. and food, crafts and games in the downtown district.
Source: News release from Colon Museum
