Local Legislators Honor Over 150 Veterans at War Time Service Medal Ceremony

(Left to Right): Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner – Thomas J. Saadi, State Senator Heather Somers, State Representative Joe De La Cruz and State Representative Christine Conley honored more than 150 Groton veterans at War Time Service ceremony on Monday, May 21.

Senator Somers, Representative Conley and Representative De La Cruz Host Veteran’s Ceremony at Fitch High School in Groton 

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton), Representative Christine Conley (R-Groton) and Representative Joe De La Cruz (R-Groton) hosted a Veteran’s War Time Service Medal Ceremony at Fitch High School in Groton.  Legislators were joined by the Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner, Thomas J. Saadi, who helped distribute the War Time Service Medals to more than 150 recipients.

“Today I was humbled to organize a moving and beautiful ceremony in Groton where more than 150 Groton veterans were honored,” said Sen. Somers. “Far too often our veterans’ sacrifices go unnoticed and this was an opportunity for the community to show our deep respect and admiration for these brave men and women. I offer these dedicated heroes my most sincere gratitude for their continued dedication to our great nation and the state of Connecticut. These individuals selflessly sacrificed so that we can enjoy our way of life. From the bottom of my heart I applaud their lasting patriotism and service.”

“It is a very special privilege for us to be able to honor our veterans with the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal,” said Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton). “The medal honor is bestowed upon the men and women who served their country while they were a resident in our state. We pay tribute to all of them for what they have done for all of us.”

“I’m very proud to be here today, honoring those that have made the greatest of sacrifices on our behalf. I hope this little expression of gratitude will start to show how thankful we all are,” said Rep. De La Cruz (D-Groton).

The Connecticut Wartime Service Medal is available to Connecticut Veterans who have performed at least 90 days of wartime service as a Connecticut resident. For more information about the Connecticut War Time Service Medal program visit www.ct.gov/ctva or call 860-616-3600.

For disabled veterans not able to attend the ceremony, local lawmakers announced they will hand deliver each medal in the coming weeks.