State Legislators Recognize Valley Korean War Veterans at Shelton Ceremony

State Senator Kevin C. Kelly, at podium, commends Korean War veterans from the Greater Naugatuck Valley region at a ceremony to present certificates of appreciation at the Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post 16 on Tuesday, April 16th.

Shelton – State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113) and Larry Miller (R-122) took part in a ceremony to present certificates of appreciation to Korean War veterans from the greater Naugatuck Valley region at the Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post 16 on Tuesday, April 16th.

“I am so proud to have been a part of this incredible event,” said Senator Kelly. “Our Korean War veterans deserve to be recognized by our community and our nation for their honorable service. Sixty years ago, many of you traveled across the world to fight for the rights and freedoms that we continue to enjoy today. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to all those veterans who served on our behalf.”

About 230 veterans from Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton were presented with certificates of appreciation recognizing their service during the Korean War. The veterans were joined at the event by about 125 family members, spouses, friends, elected officials and others who applauded their service on behalf of the United States.

“Our Korean War veterans are part of an unbroken chain of multi-generational service rendered by those who answer their nation’s call when freedom is at risk, and liberty is in jeopardy,” said Rep. Perillo. “Like all our veterans who took up arms, served and sacrificed so that America might endure, these veterans deserve our gratitude. I was pleased and honored to be a part of this event recognizing these great veterans for their service during a critical time in American history.”

The Department of Defense held the event to honor the 60th Anniversary of the conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953. Shelton resident Al Sabetta was appointed by the Department of Defense to be the local Korean War 60th Anniversary Ambassador and seek out members of the community who served in the conflict for recognition.

“We can never repay the veterans who took up arms to defend our nation, but we can certainly take every opportunity we can to thank them for their service and their sacrifice,” said Rep. Miller. “Events like this are a great time to show that we remember what they did and why they did it, and that a grateful nation and community still honors and respects them for it.”

The event was intended to honor the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans, American service members and their allies who fought heroically to preserve freedom, commemorate the key events of the war and educate the American people of the significance of the Korean War.

For more information about these efforts, please visit the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of Korean War Commemoration Committee website at www.KoreanWar60.com.