The most recent veteran-focused event was held this past Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, when Connecticut Hospice welcomed Branford, Connecticut’s Scouting Troop # 688, representing the Boy Scouts of America, to present the colors at a special honor guard ceremony. Some Connecticut Hospice patients, families, and staff assembled on the waterfront side of the campus to partake in the event, while others watched from their room windows. The scouts, ranging in age and rank, were accompanied by troop leaders.
The Memorial Day program opened with a prayer and a brief history of Memorial Day. Scout Master Loffredo then read the legendary Gettysburg Address, which President Lincoln delivered on November 19, 1863. Scout Master Loffredo also gave a detailed account of wars with American involvement, including years fought and the number of United States servicemen and women who have lost their lives – currently this is quoted at over 1 million. The afternoon concluded with the playing of Taps by a member of the troop, a recitation of the call’s lyrics, and finally with the retiring of the colors.
Both the scouts and troop leaders took the opportunity to interact with several of Connecticut Hospice veteran patients, who proudly attended the special Memorial Day presentation, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his military stories to an eager audience.
