FARMINGTON —  It was a day of services and expressions of thanks for the many veterans who attended Veterans Day services Monday.

Members of American Legion Post 28 held brief services at the town’s World War I monument on Main Street and at the Honor Roll in Meetinghouse Park.

World War II veteran Munroe Hawkins, with assistance from Sandy River Young Marines Caleb Walters of Industry and Levi Libby of New Vineyard, laid a wreath at the WWI monument.

At the Honor Roll, James Guillaume of Farmington and Michael Gurney of Industry, Boy Scouts from Troop 546, assisted Legion member Ron Smith of Temple in laying a wreath.

A service Monday afternoon was hosted once again by the Farmington Walmart. Veterans and guests packed the Dunkin’ Donuts inside the store for the service.

After a welcome by store manager Greg Patterson,  state Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton greeted the veterans and introduced speakers.

State Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico provided a tribute for Vietnam veterans.

Representing House District 93, Briggs worked to enact a bill in the 125th Legislature in 2011 making March 30 Vietnam War Remembrance Day, she said.

The law states, “In recognition of the service and sacrifice of those veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War, the State designates March 30th of each year as Vietnam War Remembrance Day. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation urging the people of the State to observe the day with appropriate celebration and activity.”

In 2011, only nine states had passed the bill; now there are 26 states. The bill also makes mention of a program to honor the 50-year anniversary since the last 2,500 troops withdrew from Vietnam and southern Asian countries, she said.

Vietnam was “the first foreign war in which we failed to achieve our goals,” she said. When veterans returned, they were met with anger and anti-war protests, many were treated poorly, she said. At the time, she wondered why, she said.

Veterans have told her to “just leave it alone,” she said. “But that doesn’t provide full closure or the physical, spiritual or emotional healing that’s needed.”

She thanked the veterans and welcomed them home.

Members of Farmington Emblem Club 460 provided a flag folding demonstration and the Franklin County Fiddlers played a musical tribute to the services.

A benediction was provided by the Rev. Brian Rebert of New Hope Baptist Church and Sturges Butler played taps.

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