WOODBRIDGE, Conn. — While several ceremonies planned for Memorial Day Monday ended up getting cancelled or delayed across Connecticut, some towns and cities made efforts to move their events indoors.
In Woodbridge, their annual program was moved to the newly-renovated The Center Café in The Woodbridge Center. Dozens of people showed up, despite the rain.
“Look at the turnout we had here in a small town on a rainy day,” said former Army Captain Barry Josephs, a Vietnam War veteran and Master of Ceremonies for the event.
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The ceremony featured musical performances and remarks by veterans and state and local officials. The crowd also heard from Irving Moy, a Civil War historian.
Among the crowd was Sanford “Sandy” Soufrine, a Korean War veteran.
“I was lucky. We lost 119 guys in my company. So, I was one of the lucky guys,” Soufrine said.
The 91-year-old served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War when he was 18 years old, after joining the service at 17. At 21 years old, he came back home.
“It’s a tough day for people to reflect back. People never came back. You know I have friends of mine that died there. They never lived the life I lived. I lived a good life. I didn’t even graduate high school, and I had my own business and all. So, I was lucky,” Soufrine said.
The holiday was even harder for Soufrine and his family members as they reflected on the loss of their grandson, Eric Soufrine. The 20-year-old died while serving as an Army Private First Class in Afghanistan in 2011. Every year, the town dedicates a wreath in honor of the Woodbridge native.
“He was coming home, two weeks. Two weeks before he was due home,” said Eric’s grandmother, Betty Soufrine.
Their pain, and that of others like them, serves as a driving force for Josephs, who takes part in the organization of events like these every year.
“I really feel strongly about supporting veterans,” Josephs said.
This pride comes from being a veteran himself. Josephs served as a U.S. Army captain in the 60s in Vietnam.
“At that time, everyone in my status was being drafted. I volunteered,” Josephs said.
He also takes after his father who served in WWII. Although Josephs’ time at war was less violent than others, Memorial Day still strikes a chord for him. But being surrounded by others that understand helps.
“I’m very glad that the recognition for veterans is increasing more than it had been in the past,” Josephs said.
The town plans on hosting another ceremony in its Center Building for Veterans Day in November. Josephs will be the MC for that program, as well.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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