A Letter to the People of Southington
- Elizabeth E. Meigs
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Dear Editor:
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Southington for the extraordinary welcome home you gave my cousin, Tech. Sgt. Donald A. Dorman.
Donald left Southington as a young man to serve his country during World War II. I'm sure he never imagined that his journey home would take more than eighty years. Thanks to remarkable advances in science and the dedication of countless individuals, he was finally identified and returned to the town he loved. What happened next touched my family and me beyond words. From the yellow ribbons and flags to the military honors, the volunteers, and the many residents who lined the streets simply to pay their respects, it was clear that this was far more than a funeral. It was a community welcoming home one of its own.
Everyone who worked behind the scenes—and everyone who came simply to stand in quiet remembrance—gave Donald a gift that had been eight decades in the making. Your kindness, respect, and attention to every detail will never be forgotten. My family and I came to Southington to say goodbye. We left with something we never expected: a profound affection for your town and the people who call it home. Thank you for embracing Donald as your own, for honoring his service, and for reminding us that gratitude has no expiration date.
With sincere appreciation,
E. A. Meigs
South Chatham, MA