Each year, Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) students are asked to describe, in their own words, "What Memorial Day Means to Me." This year, 10 students were recognized for their exceptional answers by the committee of the Captain Thomas Yester 2023 Memorial Day essay contest.

On Monday, May 29, contest winner Ashtain Turner, grade 6, and runner-up Nicio Lynk, grade 8, read their essays to the crowd gathered on the Branford green for the town's Memorial Day ceremonies. They were introduced by master of ceremonies Captain Vincent Giordano.

The Branford Veterans Parade Committee organizes the annual essay contest with assistance from Branford Public Schools (BPS) and with prizes of gift cards generously sponsored by the Branford Community Foundation (BCF).

Parade Committee chair and contest organizer Bill O’Brien said a remarkable 145 entries were received and reviewed by contest judges.

“It was very difficult to select ten, as there were many top entries,” said O’Brien.

O’Brien thanked BCF and BPS for its support, as well as WIS assistant principal Peter Anaclerio for coordinating the school’s participation together with grade 8 Social Studies teacher Carl Seeley, and grade 6 Social Studies teacher Matthew Kszywanos.

In her personal reflection, Turner wrote, “To me, Memorial Day is a day to honor sacrifices made by our military heroes. It's a day to remember the selflessness and bravery of those who gave their lives to the country. Memorial Day is also a reminder of the importance of community and coming together. It's also a day to recognize the sacrifices made not only by those who served in the military, but their loved ones. We must not forget the impact that these sacrifices had on our country, and we must continue to honor those who served our nation.”

The essay penned by Lynk noted, “Memorial Day holds immense significance in my heart as we honor the brave souls who gave their lives to defend our freedom and way of life. Their sacrifices have secured the exceptional liberties and values of our nation. We must honor their memory by upholding the ideals they died to defend, supporting their families, and being mindful of the cost of freedom. It is only through remembering the sacrifices of our fallen heroes that we can ensure their legacy and the values they fought for never fade away.“

In addition to Turner and Lynk, additional top 10 essayists selected were grade 5 students Leo Brown, Ella Durand, Anthony Serio, and Meadow Stout; grade 6 student Grace Salter; and grade 8 students Arav Sharma, Saloni Shrestha, and Leila Verzella.

Eleven years ago, the parade committee re-named the essay contest in honor of Branford's late Captain Thomas Yester, a World War II veteran and active committee member who passed away in 2012. Yester flew more than 60 missions as a B-26 tail gunner. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters, and European Theater Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, among other awards.