Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
It was a cold, blustery day on Tuesday, but that didn't stop Greenwich residents from coming out to observe Veterans Day. GREENWICH, CT — Over 100 residents braved the freezing temperatures and light snow flurries on Tuesday to pay tribute to all veterans with the American Legion Post 29's annual patriotic walk and ceremony in downtown Greenwich. Veterans and town officials walked down Greenwich Avenue and gathered near the World War I memorial in front of Restoration Hardware for the festivities, which featured remarks from various speakers, musical performance, a posting of the colors, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Former state Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149) received an award from the American Legion for her years of service to the state of Connecticut, Greenwich, and veterans. Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to reflect the signing of the armistice ending World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The observance was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War. This year's keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Sochara Chumnoeur, of Danbury, who spoke about her harrowing move as a young girl from war-torn Cambodia to the United States in the 1980s and her eventual rise through the ranks of the Army Reserves and U.S. Army as an active duty nurse. Chumnoeur arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at age 8, and she and her family eventually settled in Danbury. A graduate of Danbury High School, Chumnoeur attended the University of Connecticut and earned a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2003. She was first introduced to the U.S. military during her senior year of college when an Army recruiter came to speak to her nursing class about the opportunities available in the armed forces. As part of the Army's recruitment strategy, Chumnoeur was part of a group of nursing students from UConn who were brought to Washington, D.C., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "While there, I met a 19-year-old soldier who was recovering from surgery and his war injuries from Afghanistan. As I was listening to him, I found myself saying that I wanted to be the one taking care of him," Chumnoeur said. After graduating from UConn, however, Chumnoeur began working as a nurse at Danbury Hospital. She reflected on her life up until that point. "I had finally achieved my parents' and my own American Dream. I had a supportive and loving family, and a great job with colleagues that gave meaning and purpose every day. However, this was not enough, and something was still missing," Chumnoeur said. "After some reflection, I realized that what was missing was a life of service to a nation that not only saved my family's life, but also gave us a chance at freedom." Chumnoeur joined the Army Reserves and eventually returned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she worked from 2005 to 2007 as a nurse case manager to help care for and transition hundreds of the most severely wounded reserve soldiers and National Guard soldiers who were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. "Many of them suffered head trauma, amputations and spinal cord injuries, but soon after meeting them, I made a promise to myself that I would care for each and every one of them like they were my own sons and daughters — a promise I have not broken for over 20 years," said Chumnoeur, whose roles have ranged widely over the years to include trauma nurse, deputy commander of nursing, and even health care executive, among other titles. Chumnoeur returned to Connecticut and resumed her civilian life, but she came to realize that she was changed forever as a result of her experiences. "I recognized a second calling, which was to be an active duty nurse," Chumnoeur said. In 2015, Chumnoeur was deployed to Kuwait to support Operation Inherent Resolve. Currently, Chumnoeur is a student at the National Defense University Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C. "My career in the Army has allowed me to live a purpose-driven life full of richness. The honor and privilege of caring for service members and their families all over the country and all over the world has no comparison," Chumnoeur said, speaking to fellow veterans in the crowd. "On this beautiful and brisk Veterans Day, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, I honor you and thank you from a grateful citizen for your service to our nation, and to me and my family, without ever knowing any one of us. For that, I am eternally grateful." First Selectman Fred Camillo spoke briefly and acknowledged all branches of the military, and highlighted this year's 250th anniversary celebrations of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. "We all go through life wondering if we're going to leave a legacy and make an impact. A veteran doesn't have to do that," Camillo said. "As we go through our day today, and we reflect and thank veterans, let's remember the short and powerful words of our 16th president [Abraham Lincoln] and honor sailors and soldiers everywhere who bravely carried the cause of our wonderful nation." Floren, who was presented with an award from the American Legion Post 29 on Tuesday, served as a state representative for 20 years, and was a key cog in developing the Greenwich Veterans Council - a clearinghouse for information and programs for local veterans. "This is truly an honor," Floren said. "I have long admired the work of American Legion Post 29, especially their numerous youth initiatives: Scouts, baseball teams, in-school ceremonies and celebrations, and of course, Boys and Girls State." American Legion Post 29 Commander Peter Le Beau emceed Tuesday's ceremony, and offered opening remarks. "It's important that we always honor the tremendous courage and sacrifice of our veterans, but it's likewise imperative that we make every effort to show our veterans the profound gratitude they richly deserve," Le Beau said. "Show your appreciation to each veteran you meet today by simply saying 'thank you for your service.' Believe me, that small gesture means a great deal to us, more than you can imagine." The Byram Veterans Association was slated to hold its annual small Veterans Day parade at 7 p.m. at the organization's clubhouse at 300 Delavan Ave. on Tuesday. The annual Cos Cob VFW Post 10112 ceremony was held on Nov. 8 at the pocket park in Cos Cob off Strickland Road.
