50 Connecticut Veterans Receive Wartime Service Medals

More than 50 Connecticut veterans who served in the armed forces during wars ranging from World War II to the Vietnam War and the post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were presented the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal today at an event hosted by Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford).

Senator Kennedy organized the event to recognize Connecticut’s veterans for their service in the armed forces. Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Sean Connolly was in attendance to present medals.

Photos of veterans who received a medal at the ceremony are being posted to Senator Kennedy’s website, accessible at www.SenatorKennedy.cga.ct.gov. Veterans and their families are welcome to download the photos for personal use.

“Whenever I meet a veteran, I feel like I am meeting a part of the history that has allowed this country to remain free,” said Senator Kennedy in a prepared statement. “It is truly an honor to be in a room with so many of Connecticut’s heroes and thank them for their service. This medal is a small token of appreciation that we are able to provide to those who heard the call and stood up for this country, sacrificing so much to protect the American way of life.”

Prior to the General Assembly establishing this award in 2005, the state of Connecticut had not honored its veterans with a wartime service medal since World War I. Anyone who served in the armed forces during a time of war and was a Connecticut resident at the time, or currently lives here, is eligible for the award.

Many veterans from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq received the medal as part of their discharge packets, but many veterans who served prior to 2005 are unaware of the medal’s existence. Any veteran who believes they may be eligible for the medal may contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 860-240-0455.

Link to video of event: https://youtu.be/QhbSZGlwmh0

Photo Cutline: Senator Ted Kennedy and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly hosted over 50 shoreline veterans today to present them with the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal. Veterans and their families filled Guilford Free Library where they were presented with the medals and thanked for their service.