In two separate ceremonies held last Friday afternoon in Windham, the spotlight shone on veterans, both past and present, who gave and are still giving on behalf of their community.

At 1:15 p.m., veterans, students, town and school officials, as well as surviving members of the families of Sgt. James Allen and Lt. Charles Field assembled for a rededication ceremony held in the foyer of the Field-Allen School.

There, newly bronzed plaques of Field and Allen were unveiled, as was a larger plaque with the names of Windham soldiers who took part in both world wars. Field, who died in combat in World War I, and Allen, who was killed in Iwo Jima in 1945, were Windham natives and are the namesakes for Field-Allen School.

Later in the afternoon, at a 3 p.m. reception held at the Windham Veterans Center, the spotlight turned on Don Swander, commander of the Windham VFW as well as president of the Windham Veterans Association. Fellow Windham veterans and Windham’s Legislative delegation surprised Swander with two awards, one issued in the form of a Legislative Sentiment recognizing Swander’s “outstanding service” to Windham veterans, and the other a wooden plaque with built-in clock that was presented by local veterans.

“I’m thankful,” Swander said. “I just really appreciate the honor. It’s a symbol of how the veterans are really feeling.”

Toby Pennels, Iraq War veteran and Windham-Raymond School Committee member, officiated at last Friday’s ceremony that honored the namesakes of the Field-Allen School in Windham. Students, family and local dignitaries unveiled new plaques in memory of Lt. Charles Field and Sgt. James Allen, both Windham natives who were killed in action. (Staff photo by John Balentine)