Lighting funded by Norfolk Community Association
By Doreen Kelly

At dusk this past Memorial Day, the Norfolk Village Green became a little brighter. The two war memorials located there are now dramatically lit as a constant reminder of the brave Norfolk men and women who have served this country.
The first monument is a 24-foot weathered obelisk near the center of the green commemorating the Civil War. Dedicated in 1868, and made from celebrated Westerly granite of Rhode Island, this monument lists the 35 Norfolk men who gave their lives in the Civil War.
The second monument is a substantial native-granite rectangle sitting solemnly under the American flag. Originally dedicated on Memorial Day, 1973, it represents the service of 320 Norfolk men and women in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the two gulf wars. Six of the 320 who served died in action.
Those who attended the recent Memorial Day ceremonies heard Pete Peterson, an Air Force veteran, give the moving tribute, reminding us of the true meaning behind Memorial Day. He announced that beginning that evening, the two monuments on village green would be permanently lit. The crowd showed great support of the initiative.
The Norfolk Economic Development Commission, with the help of First Selectman Sue Dyer, introduced the project as a way to show respect to our troops and, in the process, make the Village Green even more beautiful. They hope the new lighting will cause all who pass by to stop and enjoy a slice of Norfolk’s history and then go on to partake in the many offerings in town.
The Norfolk Community Association generously funded the new lighting and plans to complete the effort in 2014 by lighting the World War I Memorial on Memorial Green in time for the centennial anniversary of the start of the First World War.