By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice

The city and the Veterans Council invite veterans of all wars and conflicts to participate in a Veterans Day tribute at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 on the Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park.

Mayor John M. Picard and council President Lori Grenfell will speak at the event, which will include a wreath-laying ceremony.

“On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States,” Picard said. “These brave patriots have protected our nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny and helped spread freedom around the globe. Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service.”

Held rain or shine, the public service will begin with a presentation of colors by the West Haven Police Color Guard, followed by a rendition of the national anthem by Caitlin Morrissey and a prayer by council Chaplain Francis Blanchette.

The ceremony will include a patriotic musical selection by the West Haven High School Band directed by Cassandra K. Marcella, taps by former West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon and a moment of silence at 11 a.m.

An open house breakfast will follow at the American Legion Post 71, 337 Main St.

Last year, in commemoration of the city’s veterans on Veterans Day, Veterans Council members and city officials unveiled a road sign signifying Veterans Memorial Boulevard as the honorary name of Captain Thomas Boulevard. The sign, featuring an American flag and gold stars, marks both ends of the half-mile stretch.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the much-celebrated moment when World War I ended in 1918.

The tribute will also kick off the fourth phase of the Veterans Council’s “Brick Campaign.” Three years ago, the council began the first of four campaigns selling bricks to memorialize veterans on the 100-yard Veterans Walk of Honor between the seaside Soderman Memorial Flagpole and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The bricks, which cost $60 each, have charcoal lettering for personalized messages. About 1,600 bricks have been installed.

Applications are available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due Feb. 24. They also are available at the Savin Rock Museum, 6 Rock St. For details, call 937-3502.

Officials dedicated the first phase of the brick walkway, built by City Point Construction Co. Inc., and the city’s first Korean War memorial in May 2007.

The following May, officials dedicated the walkway’s second phase and a memorial in honor of World War II Army Pfc. William A. Soderman, who received the Medal of Honor after he distinguished himself in December 1944 while defending an important road junction near Rocherath, Belgium. Fourteen grave markers that signify every war in American history and peacetime also were dedicated.

Four years after his death, the city dedicated the memorial flagpole in Bradley Point Park for Soderman on July 1, 1984.

Officials dedicated the walkway’s third phase last May.