DeLauro Honors Connecticut Veterans

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03) attended a ceremony in Naugatuck today honoring local residents who have served in the Armed Forces with a Connecticut Wartime Service Medal. Similar ceremonies have taken place throughout the state and will continue until all Connecticut veterans have been honored.

Congresswoman DeLauro's remarks appear below.

Thank you. I am honored to be here with you today.

First, thanks to our distinguished emcee, Robert Genovese. Bob, thank you for being here this afternoon, for your service to the community and to our nation, and for all the hard work you have put in over our years on behalf of Connecticut veterans. Thank you, Bob.

Thanks also to State Senators Joe Crisco and Joan Hartley and State Representatives Rosa Rebimbas and David Labriola for hosting this event. And thank you to Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs Linda Schwarz for your own military service and your support of our military men and women, and for honoring our veterans today with the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal.

I would also like to say a few words in honor of some people who could not be here tonight. First, Franklin Johnson, a proud World War Two veteran who stormed the beaches at Normandy, and who, as a father, schoolteacher, and veteran's advocate, spent a lifetime making Naugatuck a richer, fuller place to live. As many of you know, he passed away five months ago, but he was a proud friend to all veterans and to Naugatuck veterans in particular. And he is missed.

Also, I would like to take a moment to recognize all of our soldiers around the world – in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families right now. Their courage is an inspiration, and we look forward to their safe return.

In times of war, at a time when our nation faces such serious challenges, we look to the indomitable spirit of all of you, the veterans here today, for inspiration and for strength. And in doing so, we remind ourselves of how very fortunate we are as Americans.

As I learned from my father, an army veteran, war's legacy extends far beyond the years during which the conflict took place – it is an experience that lasts a lifetime and touches countless generations.

In fighting for America during wartime, you risked life and limb in service of his country, and we owe you a debt we can never repay. With the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal that Commissioner Schwartz bestows today, we say on behalf of our state, "We will never forget your service. Thank you for standing up and serving your nation."

Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice, and for all of your many contributions to our city, state, and nation. I am honored to be here today, and to be with you.