Bristol Delegation Celebrates the Groundbreaking of State’s 1st Veterans Memorial

Hartford, CT – State Representative Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol) and State Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol) celebrate the groundbreaking of the State’s first Veterans Memorial in Hartford.

The construction is taking place at Minuteman Park next to the State Armory on Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The memorial will honor Connecticut men and women who have served in America’s military since Revolutionary War times.

Rep. Nicastro said, “This memorial will recognize past, present, and future Connecticut veterans and will be a place for ceremonies that honor veterans. Right now, there is no official space to honor our veterans in a central location.”

The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will honor the more than 1.3 million Connecticut citizens who have served our nation in defense of peace and freedom.

“Honoring those who serve in this way is appropriate. The service and bravery of our military men and women is what makes our nation strong,” said Sen. Welch.

The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will feature a granite colonnade structure consisting of five columns representing each branch of military service as the memorial’s main focal point. A semi-circular granite Honor wall with “HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED” displayed will act as the memorial’s framing element.

The memorial will highlight various conflicts with engraved granite makers throughout the plaza. Included will be granite pavers, benches, specialty lighting, and landscaping.
Five U.S. veterans broke ground with ceremonial shovels at the memorial site, each representing one of the five branches of the U.S. Military. The memorial is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.

To view the architectural design of the future Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, and get information about how to make a donation to help build the memorial, visit www.cthonorsvets.org or call 860-616-3603.

Sen. Welch represents the 31st district towns of Thomaston, Plainville, Plymouth, Bristol and Harwinton. Welch is a veteran of U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and Army National Guard.