Loyalty Day honors community, service

May 18—DERRY — Teachers, community leaders, law enforcement personnel and firefighters all got a big thank-you when Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1617 and its auxiliaries, hosted its annual Loyalty Day celebration May 7.

This year's honorees included emergency services personnel and firefighters, police, teachers, students, VFW supporters and members, and other community members who make a difference in the town they live in or serve.

Award winners were nominated by their peers; each received a plaque and an American flag.

Those honored and given top honors at the recent event included: Gred Putnam, dispatcher; Erin Sullivan, Derry police officer; Firefighter of the Year, Patrick Glennon; EMT of the Year, Charles Hemeon.

Those being honored as part of the VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest were Nathanial Marshall, first place; Jack Hajduk, second place, and Riley Morrissette, third place.

The Voice of Democracy contest had top winners including Calvin Plante, first place; Avery Kench, second place, and Riley Morrissette, third place.

Also honored were top teachers including Ted Hebert, grades nine to 12; Eric Werner, grades six to eight, and Suzy Smith, grades kindergarten through five.

Caleb Hobden was named Scout of the Year.

The VFW also awarded their own Unsung Hero awards and this year's honorees were Tricia and Chris Parson; Ed Baker; Robert Hodgkins, and Brian Selling.

Terri Braman was honored with the Buddy Poppy honor. Thalia Baker won the President Youth Award and Suzanne Ash was given the President's Award.

Loyalty Day dates back decades and today still honors citizens in the community who give of themselves to help others.