Meriden Family to be Presented with Flag Honoring Family Member Killed in Active Duty

The family of a man killed in the Vietnam war will be presented with a personalized “Honor and Remember” flag by Frontier Communications on Veterans Day in Meriden, the company announced in a press release.

The ceremony will take place at Frontier Communications Dispatch located at 1441 N. Colony Road on Nov. 11 at 7:45 a.m.

The flag is being presented in honor of Specialist Fourth Class Michael J. Dinda, 19, who was killed while on active duty in Vietnam on Dec. 29, 1969.

Members of the Dinda family, Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders, Mayor of Meriden Manuel A. Santos and State Representative Catherine Abercrombie will be present at the event.

Featuring a gold star, eternal flame and folded flag over a red background, the Honor and Remember Flag is part of a national campaign of remembrance symbolizing gratitude and respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service. The flag is personalized with the name of Specialist Fourth Class Michael J. Dinda and his date of death.

Dinda, of Kensington, was a former Southern New England Telephone employee. Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders are planning to attend and form a Flag Line at the ceremony being held at Dinda’s previous work location.

The mission of the Honor and Remember Flag Program is to create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation’s inception.

Image via Shutterstock

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