Sen. McLachlan, Rep. Giegler Host Veteran’s Award Ceremony

State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) and State Representative Janice Giegler (R-Danbury) yesterday hosted the Danbury Veterans’ Wartime Service Medal Ceremony at Danbury High School, where close to four hundred veterans were recognized for their service.

In 2005, the state legislature created the Connecticut Veterans’ Wartime Service Medal to honor all Connecticut veterans who have served their country. Eligible veterans include members of the military who served in a time of war and were Connecticut residents at the time they were called to active duty, or resident of the state on the date of the award. Medals were also given posthumously for veteran who died on or after January 1, 2000

“I have great respect for the many men and women who have bravely served our country,” said Sen. McLachlan. “This event is just one small way to express our appreciation for all they have done, and it meant a lot to everyone in attendance. I am happy to play a role in giving these veterans long overdue recognition for their brave service.”

“I was pleased to have been able to play a role in organizing this touching tribute to our veterans to acknowledge their service as ambassadors of freedom,” said Rep. Giegler. “It was our opportunity as members of the General Assembly to bestow on our veterans their Connecticut Wartime Medals and to thank them for their patriotism and commitment to country.”

During the 2010 legislative session, Sen. McLachlan and Rep. Giegler also supported new legislation to benefit veterans which included:

* PA 10-40: designating March 30th of each year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans’ Day to commemorate and honor Vietnam veterans’ return home;

* PA 10-15 permitting retired senior members of the Connecticut National Guard and the Governor’s military staff who served honorably for thirty or more years to apply directly to the Adjutant General to be placed on the retired list at one grade above the highest grade they ever held; and

* HB 5350 providing a credit or an exemption towards the requirements of a professional license or certificate for members of the armed forces who received substantively similar training or schooling during their military service.

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