More Than 50 Shoreline Veterans Honored At CT Wartime Service Medal Ceremony

MADISON, CT – More than fifty 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 at an event hosted by Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), according to a news release from the Senator's office.

Kennedy organized the event to recognize Connecticut’s veterans for their service in the armed forces. State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda (R-Madison) attended to offer her thanks to the local veterans for their service to the United States.

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

“We would not have the quality of life we enjoy today were it not for the sacrifices made by our brave veterans,” said Kennedy in a statement. “The men and women of the armed forces, as well as their loved ones, have selflessly sacrificed so much in defense of our country. The Connecticut Wartime Service 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.”

"I was proud to join Senator Kennedy and Commissioner Connelly in recognizing our veterans at this ceremony. The veterans of Madison and Killingworth have served their country honorably at some of the most difficult times in our history. It's these remarkable men and women that we honor with this medal," said Kokoruda in a statement.

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.

Contributed photo