Lt. Col. Charles Anderson was 3 1/2 when his father was killed in Vietnam.
But that did not stop him from Army National Guard 1986 and later serving in Afghanistan, where he was wounded. For his service, he earned a Combat/Infantryman’s Badge (CAB), Bronze Star medal and a Purple Heart.
But many others have died serving their country, and they must be remembered, he told an audience outside of Town Hall Monday at Trumbull's Memorial Day ceremony.
"I've lost friends, neighbors and students of mine," said, Anderson who is also a physical education teacher and the Trumbull High School Wrestling Coach. Anderson has been promoted to Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 169th Regional Training Institute of the Connecticut Army National Guard.
The lieutenant colonel urged listeners to keep Memorial Day devoted to veterans.
"We need to be reminded the freedom of barbecue and commerce were paid for at a cost," Anderson said. He later led the Memorial Day Parade as Grand Marshal.
First Selectman Tim Herbst thanked all veterans.
"To all of the veterans served our nation, thank you. May God bless you and God bless the United States of America," he said.
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