Salute to Veterans Concert on Friday at City Hill Middle School

The Salute to Veterans Concert, sponsored by the Naugatuck Arts Commission, will return tomorrow night to City Hill Middle School. The annual event did not take place last year due to construction at the high school, but is back this year for its 11th year. The concert is a musical tribute to all veterans past and present and will be held in the school auditorium. There is no admission fee.

The Naugatuck Community Band, under the direction of Charles Marenghi, will serve as house band. I stopped in to their final rehearsal the night before their performance and spoke with Mr. Marenghi. This year the members of the NCB will be seated on the school stage. Some of the patriotic pieces that they will perform are "Duty, Honor, Country" and "Gettysburg." There will also be a slideshow, showcasing those who have died in the line of duty from Naugatuck. Former state Rep. Kevin DelGobbo will emcee the event and will also recite General Douglass MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country” speech.

Mr. Marenghi also told me that scheduled to appear is Ed Kamienski, who recently played his harmonica for the ceremony honoring former Mayor Joan Taf. Local musician Joe Masulli will perform on guitar. Joe Martin will sing, as will Geena D'Andrea and Lisa D'Andrea. The selections are intended to honor our veterans who have given so much in the pursuit of freedom and justice.

Please come and show your support for veterans - past and present.