West Hartford’s Leesa Philippon was honored with the state American Legion’s ‘Americanism Award.’

By Katie Cavanaugh

Submitted photo.

Leesa Philippon, a military daughter, mother, wife, and veteran, was honored with the state American Legion’s Americanism Award for 2015.

Philippon served in the U.S. Army for three years. While in the army, she met her husband, Raymond, who served for four years. They married in 1981 and moved to West Hartford when their time in the service was complete.

Their son, Larry, joined the U.S. Marine Corps once he graduated from high school. “Larry used to say that it took two army personnel to make one Marine,” joked Philippon.

Larry was killed on May 8, 2005, while serving in Iraq. His brother, Bryan, also joined the Marine Corps. According to Leesa, Bryan is currently in a Plainville, CT, reserves unit. “We can’t get away from it. Not that we’d want to,” she said.

Leesa Philippon (left) and Dana Murphy, Department Chairman for the Americanism Award. Submitted photo

Leesa Philippon is chaplain of the Gold Star Mothers, a group for women who have lost a child in the armed services. “They are an amazing group of women who try their best to get together, share their stories, and help other people,” said Leesa. “It’s okay for us if we tell those memories over and over again to each other.” Leesa has also been in charge of the group’s Americanism program.

It is fitting that Leesa was awarded with the 2015 American Legion’s Americanism Award.

According to Moe Fradette, commander of the West Hartford American Legion, the award was given out by the state American Legion. “We are a community service organization that supports our veterans,” said Fradette. “To belong to the American Legion you have to serve honorably in a period of conflict.”

The American Legion’s Americanism Award is given to someone who fully embodies what it means to be an American. “I’m very moved that I received this award. I didn’t expect it,” said Leesa.

Leesa Philippon (left) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. Submitted photo

However, Leesa does acknowledge that being an American is a big part of her identity. “I ascribe to the ‘God, Family, Country’ moto in my life. I believe that America has become too focused on individual labels. We are waving too many flags and too many walls are being built,” she said.

Leesa said she is appreciative of West Hartford parents for raising children who respect our country’s freedoms. “We are blessed to live in a land of diversity and the freedom to be diverse. However, those freedoms are all protected under the umbrella of America. If we don’t regain, maintain, and fortify our compass we will be a nation that has lost its direction and its purpose.” said Leesa. “America deserves to be promoted.

“Not everyone is able to serve in the military but everyone is able to support, respect, appreciate and show allegiance to our nation and to those who have secured, are securing, and will secure this ‘sweet land of liberty,” said Leesa.

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