Simsbury honors 98 fallen at Memorial Day ceremony; Lt. Col. Nathan Maker urges attendees to "Earn this"

Simsbury held its Memorial Day observance at Eno Memorial Hall on May 25, 2026, where officials read the names of 98 local service members, recounted acts of battlefield heroism and called on residents to honor veterans’ sacrifice.

Master Sergeant (ret.) Sabrina Texera, of American Legion Post 84, served as master of ceremonies and thanked the parade committee, the Board of Selectmen, the town manager’s office, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the police and fire departments and volunteers for enabling the program after organizers moved it indoors because of weather. "I will now call upon Pastor Matt Blazer to give us our opening prayer," Texera said as the program began.

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis and Deputy First Selectman Stephen Antonio read a town proclamation that described Memorial Day as a time for the community to "honor neighbors, friends, and loved ones who served in the military and did not return" and encouraged residents to "join together in remembrance." Connecticut State Representative Melissa Osborne thanked organizers and attendees and quoted President Ronald Reagan, saying that "freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction," urging reflection on veterans’ sacrifices.

The keynote address by Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Maker, a veteran and Simsbury resident, framed Memorial Day around the words "honor" and "valor." Maker recounted the service and death of Captain Christopher Todd Pate, who died July 21, 2006, in Iraq after an improvised explosive device struck his patrol. Maker described Pate’s final actions in which he radioed for medical evacuation to save two teammates and noted that Pate was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for valor. Maker closed by invoking the film Saving Private Ryan: "Earn this," he said, charging listeners to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made by service members.

As part of the program, the MC read 98 names of Simsbury residents who died in military service while the Talcott Mountain Highlanders performed "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes and the audience observed a moment of silence; Bruce Elliott placed a ceremonial wreath. The MC also noted that on May 9, 2026, over 1,730 flags were placed on veterans' graves in Tariffville and Simsbury cemeteries by veterans and volunteers.

Musical tributes included a performance of "God Bless America" by children from Latimer Lane School and an appearance by the Simsbury High School Band. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, the formal retirement of colors and a medley by the high school band as attendees exited.

Simsbury Community Media broadcast the event live from the center of town.