Veterans Day - November 11, 2025
For Immediate Release November 4, 2025
Contact: Peter Galgano
(860) 604-7258
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY – NOVEMBER 11, 2025
Ceremony at Berlin Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Way
(Berlin, CT) – This years Veterans Day Ceremony will be on Tuesday, November 11th and will start at 11:00 AM at the Berlin Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Way. (51 Lower Ln, Berlin, CT 06037 on GPS)
Veterans Day is a national holiday in which we show appreciation to those who have served their country in the armed forces. The holiday dates back to 1919. It was originally called Armistice Day and its date celebrates the German surrender that ended the First World War. In 1954, Congress amended the holiday to be known as Veterans Day to honor all of America's Veterans.
On the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we pause to honor America’s Veterans and celebrate their contributions to our way of life. Few have given more to our Nation than the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces in peace and in war. So, on this day we want to ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free.
The Berlin High School Madrigal Singers, directed by Tyler Boyle, will sing the National Anthem and America the Beautiful. Members of the Berlin High School Saxophone Quartet, directed by Christopher Dresko, will play a Military Service Songs Melody and two Trumpeters, Maggie Yantz and Maja Kiczuk, will play Taps.
There will be a Joint Color Guard by the members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10732, and members of the American Legion Post 68.
This year’s guest speaker is Berlin Veterans Commissioner Anthony Cruz.
Anthony Cruz is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with 33 years of dedicated service to our country. He is a native of Medina, NY, and began his military career in the U.S. Navy on active duty in 1992. While in the Navy, he served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, responsible for the handling, storage, and maintenance of aircraft munitions. He served with VFA-151 until 1996, during which time he participated in a six-month WestPac deployment and a two-month RIMPAC deployment. He also took part in Operation Southern Watch in 1994. After his active duty service, he joined the Navy Reserves in 1996, serving until 2005. While with VP-92, he was mobilized to active duty after 9/11 to provide security at Subbase New London in Connecticut.
In 2005, he transitioned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard, joining the 104th Fighter Wing. As an Air Guardsman, he served as a Weapons Systems Technician, responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft weapon systems. During his time there, he participated in various Operation Noble Eagle deployments and supervised the Alert mission at Barnes for 13 years. Sergeant Cruz officially retired in May 2025 after a remarkable 33-year career. He currently lives in Berlin, CT, with his wife, Sandra, and their children, Ethan, Elyadia, and Mailina. Since his retirement, he continues his commitment to service by instructing the Air Force JROTC unit at Windsor High School alongside (ret.) Major John Spear.
In the event of rain, the Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10732, 152 Massirio Dr., Berlin, CT 06037 at 11:00 AM.
