Guilford Resident Inducted Into CT Veterans Hall Of Fame

GUILFORD, CT — One of Guilford's own has been inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Lorenzo "Larry" Anthony Santamaria, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a Guilford resident, joins 10 others from around the state as part of the hall of fame's class of 2023.

The hall recognizes distinguished Connecticut veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service.

Santamaria has served as Edward A. Norton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7666 commander for four decades and helped create Guilford's inaugural Memorial Day parade in 1979.

He has also been feeding the residents of Guilford for years, notably through his catering business, concession stands and Meals on Wheels.

"A well-deserved recognition! Thanks to Larry for all that he does for the Guilford community," said Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey on Facebook.

>>>>Read more: From Meals On Wheels To VFW, He's Fed Countless Folks For Decades

A ceremony was scheduled for Thursday evening in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the DVA campus in Rocky Hill.

The class of 2023 inductees are:

• John Michael Chan – U.S. Army Air Force – Avon
• Michael John Dalton – U.S. Army - Waterbury
• Richard Guido DiFederico Jr. – U.S. Navy - Oakville
• Maurice Joseph Fradette – U. S. Navy - Farmington
• Michael Salvatore Gozzo – U.S. Marine Corps – Hamden
• Richard Thomas Christopher LeFave – U.S. Army - Voluntown
• Daniel Bernard Reilly – U.S. Air Force - Torrington
• William Ford Law Rodgers – U.S. Marine Corps - Newtown
• Lorenzo Anthony Santamaria - U.S. Marine Corps – Guilford
• Charles Ferdinand Smith – U.S. Air Force – Killingworth
• Peter Charles Tragni – U.S. Army – Waterbury

Each veteran will receive a commemorative medallion and certificate recognizing their induction.

"Each year, it is a great honor to participate in the Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and have the opportunity to be among so many brave Americans who answered their country's call of duty," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz in a news reelase.

Bysiewicz and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch were scheduled to be joined by several elected officials and leaders of the state’s veterans’ community at Thursday's ceremony.

"Thank you and congratulations to each of this year's inductees. I can't express enough the gratitude and appreciation we have for your service to our country, for your commitment to your community, and for all your contributions to the State of Connecticut," Bysiewicz added.

Welch congratulated the inductees on their service and their lifelong accomplishments.

"You made a significant impact during your military service, and then pledged unwavering commitment, service, and volunteerism to our communities, including persistent, compassionate support and advocacy to our Service members, veterans and families in our great state of Connecticut and beyond," Welch said. "With gratitude and in celebration, we welcome you into the Class of 2023 of the CT Veterans Hall of Fame!"