Senator Boucher Invites Area Legislators, Local Municipal Officials & Public To Celebrate Dedication Of “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway”

Ceremonies Scheduled For August 26th In Wilton & Westport

State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is inviting area legislators, local government officials and the public to upcoming ceremonies to dedicate the newly named “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” in honor of the soldiers, police officers and firefighters who have sacrificed their lives for others.

The newly designated “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” stretches from the Wilton/Ridgefield Route 33 town line to the junction of Route 33 & 136 in the Town of Westport.

“My inspiration for proposing the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” is Nick Madaras, a young man from Wilton who was killed in Iraq on September 3, 2006. Nick was only 19 when he died, leaving behind a grieving family and a great many friends. Designating the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” is something we can do as a community to demonstrate our gratitude to Nick, as well as to all of the soldiers, police officers and firefighters who have put our lives before their own. We must never forget them or their sacrifice,” said Senator Boucher.

Ceremonies to formally dedicate the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” will be held in Wilton and Westport on Wednesday, August 26th. The public is invited to join state and local officials, veterans, police officers and firefighters, along with other invited guests, at 11 a.m. at VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue in Westport, and at 1 p.m. at the Wilton Town Hall located at 238 Danbury Road.

Senator Boucher said she grateful to all of the legislators, local government officials, area veterans’ organizations, police officers and firefighters who supported the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” legislation.

“I am very happy this naming will happen. Everyone knows of a fallen hero, whether it is someone in the military, a brave firefighter or police officer, or even someone who gave his or her life for others in a situation not ordinarily hazardous. This will remind us of our fallen heroes everyday and be a perpetual tribute,” said State Representative John Hetherington (R-125)

“I can’t think of a more fitting tribute for the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty for our country. Having this stretch of road named after our fallen heroes should serve as reminder to us everyday to honor those who are brave enough to put on the uniform, and to acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families,” said Representative Joseph Mioli (D-136).

“The dedication and naming of the most frequently used road in Wilton for Wilton’s “Fallen Heroes” honors the memory of the many military servicemen, public safety officers and citizens who lost their lives in the defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. Public safety officers and citizens who gave their lives helping others or were innocent victims of terrorist attacks will also be remembered by this roadway dedication. It is an honor to represent all of Wilton’s citizens, as we dedicate this road today in memory of all of our Fallen Heroes,” said Wilton First Selectman William F. Brennan.

“I welcome this opportunity to locally honor those who have given their lives for our country. Those who travel along the road now will have a continuing reminder of the sacrifices made on our behalf of the residents of Westport and all other Americans,” said Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff.

Senator Boucher said she hopes that the two ceremonies celebrating the naming of the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” attract area residents in a show of gratitude to the men and women who have given their lives for their country and their neighbors, and as a gesture of respect to all the soldiers, police officers and firefighters who continue to risk their lives for others.

Those planning to attend the ceremonies include Bill Madaras, father of Nick Madaras. Shalini Madaras, mother of Nick Madaras, said the newly named road will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives for others.

“With northern Rt. 33 already designated as a “Scenic Road” and with it passing Hillside Cemetery where local fallen heroes, as well as many veterans, have been laid to rest, renaming it Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway will be a fitting, daily reminder of the sacrifices made by our men and women in the uniformed services, both military and civilian, who protect our freedom and way of life every day. It should never be forgotten that the first casualties in the war on terror were men and women of our civilian uniformed services,” said Shalini Madaras.

Area veterans are also pleased regarding the formal designation of Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway.

“I am pleased to see that a portion of Rt. 33 between Westport and Ridgefield is being named Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway in honor of those who have made the supreme sacrifice. This is one of the many ways we can show our appreciation, not only to our military men and women but also to our local police, and firemen and women as well,” said Don Hazzard, Commander of American Legion Post 86 in Wilton.

“None of us will ever forget the terror and sorrow of September 11, 2001 – or the bravery and sheer goodness of the men and women who risked everything to respond to the call for help. Since then, our country has been engaged in a war against terror, and so many fine Americans have sacrificed their lives to keep us free and protect our way of life. Nick Madaras is one of those true American patriots, and there are so many others. It would be wonderful if everyone who can, comes to the dedication ceremonies to demonstrate their respect and gratitude. It is my hope that everyone who drives past the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Highway” sign in the years ahead is reminded of these fine men and women whose courage and sacrifice have allowed us to have so many peaceful years of liberty and security. The signs should also be a constant reminder of the legions of first responders who have risked their lives so that we can be here today, alive and healthy.” said Senator Boucher.