Berlin, Conn. – The Berlin Lions Club’s annual Veterans Park luminary display returned this year, lighting up the park’s pathways with thousands of glowing candles. The tradition, now in its seventh year, brings together community members, veterans, and a group of enthusiastic young volunteers who spent about 45 minutes lighting each luminary before nightfall.
Kids Take the Lead
Among the volunteers were 9‑year‑old John Muzyka, 10‑year‑old Troy Beaulieu, and 9‑year‑old Max Hungerford. Muzyka admitted the work was “a little tiring,” but added, “it was still fun.” He described the finished scene as looking “like all the stars but it’s so low,” while Beaulieu likened the lights to “orange diamonds on the ground.” Hungerford said the effort was a way to give back, noting, “They helped our country and now we’re helping them back.”
Other boys, including 9‑year‑old Jackson Lopofsky, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting the veterans who still walk the park’s paths. “Good luck to the veterans, and we’ll keep our country alive,” said Muzyka.
Community Support and Tradition
Each luminary is purchased by a local resident and bears a personal message of support or a tribute to a veteran in the buyer’s family. Proceeds from the sales go directly to local veterans groups. The Berlin Lions Club reported selling between 2,600 and 2,700 luminaries this year, with the majority placed throughout Veterans Park.
Ron Bosco, a representative of the Lions Club, noted that the event’s momentum has grown steadily. “You can see the momentum has really picked up and the community embraces it,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about – showing our support for our veterans.”
Fundraising Impact
The luminary display not only honors service members but also raises essential funds. Last year’s event generated $15,000 for local veterans organizations, and this year’s sales are expected to surpass that figure, reinforcing the park’s role as a focal point for community gratitude.
Volunteers worked in teams, moving along the park’s pathways to ensure every luminary was lit before darkness fell. “You have to do it by teamwork. You can’t just do it like one person,” Muzyka explained, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the event.
Looking Ahead
The Berlin Lions Club plans to continue the tradition, inviting more families and businesses to purchase luminaries and share their messages of appreciation. As the park glows each November, the display serves as a visual reminder of the town’s commitment to honoring those who have served and to fostering a sense of unity among its youngest citizens.
For those interested in participating in future displays or learning more about how the proceeds support local veterans, the Berlin Lions Club can be reached through its website or by visiting the club’s office in downtown Berlin.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
