About the Patriotic Commission

“The purpose of the Patriotic Commission is to recognize, accommodate, and foster pride and patriotism among the citizens of South Windsor in our nation, our state, and our town, and demonstrate evidence thereof through the development and conduct of programs and activities as hereinafter described.” (Ordinance #118, Section 3, Dated 6-1-87; Ordinance #152, Section 3, Dated 9-22-98)

The South Windsor Patriotic Commission is involved in ten events every year.

On November 11 we hold a Veterans' Day ceremony at Veterans' Memorial Park. There is a guest speaker and wreaths are placed on the five monuments by Veterans. Music is provided by the high school, and a ceremonial volley is provided by the South Windsor Police Honor Guard.

Also on Veterans' Day, we have a program called “Veterans in the Classroom.” Veterans go to a service in front of the high school, and from there Veterans are brought into classrooms to speak and answer questions. This program is very well received by students. The middle school has the Veterans in on a different day. All South Windsor schools have a Veterans' Day program designed by each of the schools and are quite unique.

In December, we support “Wreaths Across America,” a program that places holiday wreaths on Veterans’ graves in South Windsor. The program is organized by South Windsor’s American Legion Post 133. A formal ceremony is held at Veterans' Memorial Park, followed by the placing of the wreaths on the graves in town cemeteries by Boy and Girl Scouts. This year all Veterans' graves received a wreath.

In January, we start receiving our Patriotic Commission Essay Contest entries. The contest is available to all South Windsor students, in public and private schools, as well as home schooled students. The winners are awarded prizes, ride in the Memorial Day Parade and are recognized at the Memorial Day Ceremony, as well as by the Town Council in June. All entrants receive a certificate from the Patriotic Commission, and winning essays were published in the South Windsor Reminder.

In May, we hold our Armed Forces day “Evening in the Park.” It is a large picnic type event for the entire family, with participation by civic groups, amusements for children, refreshments, a patriotic concert by the South Windsor Community Band, and ending with a fantastic fireworks display. Every year the participation has grown.                

We celebrate Memorial Day with our annual parade and service. We invite all community groups, as well as military and Veterans’ organizations, to march. Wreaths are placed on the monuments at the Memorial Day service at Veterans' Memorial Park, which includes guest speakers, music, the Police Department Honor Guard firing three volleys, and taps.  

In June, the Commission wraps up the year with a flag retirement ceremony. Old and worn flags are collected throughout the year at the town library, and we have a formal retirement ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial Park.

Twice a year the Patriotic Commission places memorial bricks in the walkway at Veterans' Memorial Park. The bricks are purchased by individuals to honor a service member. Forms to order the bricks are available on the Forms and Documents page.

There are photos and information about South Windsor residents currently serving in our Armed Forces hanging in the Town Hall, updated regularly by the Patriotic Commission. The photographs are provided voluntarily by the families.

Residents can find information regarding flag etiquette, Patriotic events, and other pertinent information on our site.

Source: Patriotic Commission Report