New CT Law Honors East Haddam WWII Hero

Sen. Art Linares and Rep. Melissa Ziobron applauded the governor for signing into law a proposal they supported which renames a stretch of Route 151 in East Haddam in honor of a local hero.

The legislators said the new law, which is effective immediately, honors the service of World War II veteran Peter P. Golec, who was born and raised in the Moodus section of East Haddam and gave his life in defense of his country.

“The ‘Private First Class Peter P. Golec Memorial Highway’ is a fitting tribute to a member of ‘The Greatest Generation’ who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the freedoms we so dearly cherish,” said Sen. Linares, who co-sponsored the proposal.

“PFC Golec will now be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice,” said Rep. Ziobron, who introduced the legislation. “This tremendous honor will enable this hero’s sacrifice to live on. It will shine as a light for those who do not know of PFC Golec or his contribution to our great country.”

PFC Golec was drafted into the United States Army on July 9, 1941 just five months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. After training in various locations, Golec was shipped overseas to England with the 4th Armored Division in December of 1943. After landing at Utah Beach, Golec fought from Normandy across France and was killed in action on Nov. 28, 1944 on the German border. Golec was a decorated soldier who earned a number of accolades, including the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge and two Purple Hearts. He was the son of Polish immigrants and was born and raised in Moodus.

Golec walked a stretch of Route 151 every day of his life prior to his military service. The route of the Memorial Highway to be renamed in Golec’s honor runs along the same street he walked and where the family homestead still stands today – it bisects the end of Neptune Avenue, where the Baron-Smith-Golec Post 156 American Legion is located.

Linares represents the 33rd Senate Distict – Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Ziobron represents the 34th House District – East Haddam, East Hampton and a section of Colchester.