The Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation is hosting its sixth annual VJ Day Candlelight Ceremony of Remembrance on Aug. 16 in Newington.
The solemn ceremony at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home will commemorate the lives of loved ones lost who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, servicemen killed in action, missing in action or prisoners of war and veterans who have since passed away, according to a news release from the foundation. In particular, the event remembers 100 Connecticut troops killed during the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima.
Singers and bagpipes will provide music for the ceremony and "Taps" will be played. There will be a rifle salute, a riderless horse, invocation and speakers, according to the news release. Following the ceremony, there will be a candlighting at the National Iwo Jima Memorial.
The foundation invites the public to attend the free event and bring photos of veteran loved ones to put on the "Wall of Honor." You can also email photos for a digital display to the foundation.
The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home, located at 20 Bonair Avenue in Newington.
A shuttle will be provided from the funeral home to the memorial and parking at the memorial will be reserved for the elderly, handicapped individuals, presenters and motorcycles.
For more information or to volunteer for the event, you can contact Gary Roy at 860-291-9666 or email SOSIwoJima@yahoo.com. You can also visit the Iwo Jima Survivors website.
