Veterans of Foreign Wars Hudson Memorial Post 5791 and the Auxiliary held its annual Loyalty Day – Scholastic Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 2, where members paid tribute to area residents for their contributions to their communities.
Hudson Selectman, Bob Guessferd, helped to kick off the service by singing the National Anthem, followed by an Invocation given by Rob Vance, the VFW Post Chaplain.
Post Commander, Charles Chapman, welcomed those gathered at the Post, and thanked everyone attending and for what they do for the towns of Hudson, Litchfield and Londonderry.
“I just want to thank everyone, for everything you do. We really do appreciate every single one of you and I just wanted to take the time to give you applause myself,” he stated.
VFW Member, Charlene Vance, gave a brief introduction and commented on the significants of Loyalty Day, which she explained is set for the first Friday in May each year.
“We celebrate Loyalty Day with a ceremony where we honor those in our community for their service and their commitment to the foundations of American freedom.”
The awards ceremony started with the Scholastic Awards and the winners of the Patriots Pen competition.
The exercise awards grade six to eight on writing an essay on their views based on a patriotic theme.
Three students from Hudson Memorial School were given certificates and were awarded gifts.
Brielle Oullette, the first-place winner, was asked to read her essay to those assembled. Anthony Testa took second place and Emily Powers was the third-place winner. All three attended the service.
For the Loyalty Day Awards, the first award was given to Sgt. David Glasert, of the Hudson Police Department, was thanked for his work administering polygraph exams. He is also an asset to the Special Investigations Division.
Mark Cataldo, of the Hudson Fire Department was recognized for his work in the Inspectional Services Division.
For the Aspiring Leaders Awards a number of members of the Litchfield Fire Department were recognized.
Those members were: Senior Firefighters Seth Miller; Joey Inamorati; Matt Tropiano; Ernie Thomas; James Somers; and James Sylvain.
For Exceptional Call Response, Ryan Difranza, Keith Makarawicz, Corey Nader and Michael Parenteau were awards certificates.
For Exceptional in Leadership: Craig Cartier; Jeff Newell and Sam Malone.
For Operational Leadership, Capt. Jason Hubbard and Capt. Paul Kelly were recognized.
The Town of Hudson gave recognition to Jim Michaud for his work in the Assessing Department.
Michaud has been employed with the town since 1995 and is currently the head of the Assessing Department as the Chief Assessor.
Staff members at local schools were also recognized.
For the Elementary level: Christine Tate, Griffin Memorial School; Karyn Misenheimer, Hills Garrison Elementary School; and Margaux Thibeault, Hills Garrison Elementary School were given praise.
Leonie Kirby, of the Hudson Memorial Middle School was thanked.
For Alvirne High School, Lynn Morin was recognized for her many years at many roles as a teacher in home economics.
Auxiliary President Diana Fisher, Aux 5791, recognized Dianna Anderson, who is the current Auxiliary secretary.
Post Commander Chapman finished by recognizing VFW members Charlene Vance and Rob Vance for their commitment to the Post and helping organize all of the events taking place there.