Community Corner

Yellow Ribbon Weekend: East Haddam and East Hampton

In East Haddam, the families of local military tied their ribbons onto East Haddam's new Yellow Ribbon Tree, a 111 year old Constitutional Pin Oak on the Moodus Green.


Inspired by her grandson, Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Arron M. McLaughlin, Ann McLaughlin has been busy for years planning and presiding over the Yellow Ribbon Welcome Home Program. The ceremony honors East Hampton soldiers when they return from deployment and she has held many ribbon tying and ribbon cutting events.

Through Ann’s leadership many organizations participate in the wonderful and humbling ceremony. Participants include the Patriot Guard Riders, the local VFW and local businesses that help to maintain the area surrounding the beautiful Yellow Ribbon Tree. 

With Ann’s help the ceremony has spread to East Haddam, Colchester, Marlborough and (soon) Hebron.Two ceremonies were held in the 34th district this weekend.

On Saturday, East Hampton welcomed home U.S. Marine Lance Corp. David Jensen and U.S. Army Specialist Eric Haury. Lt. Governor Wyman, Senator Linares and the Town Council were all in attendance.

At the ceremony, Ann was presented with a token of appreciation, a beautiful yellow ribbon pin, by Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) Regent Linda Wallace. 

On Sunday in East Haddam, the families of US Army SPC Matthew Shea, US Marine LCPL Dillon Carter, US Marine LCPL Paul Huot, Jr., US Navy Lt. Commander Phillip J. Moore, and US Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Newton, tied their ribbons onto East Haddam's new Yellow Ribbon Tree. The 111 year old Constitutional Pin Oak will now stand tall holding their ribbons. We are so proud of them and eagerly wait for their safe return.

Special thanks to Shelley Mosig who is coordinating the Yellow Ribbon ceremonies in East Haddam. Ann McLaughlin is a treasure, not just to the town of East Hampton—but to the region for success in getting the Yellow Ribbon program off and running.  

Submitted by Representative Melissa Ziobron and Chris Fryxell, Press Secretary


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