House Republican Press Release

June 25, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

CEREMONY HONORS MONROE VETERANS

HARTFORD – On Tuesday, June 24, State and local officials led by State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-112) and State Sens. Dan Debicella (R-21) and Robert D. Russo (R-22) held a ceremony presenting the new Connecticut War Time Service Medal to Monroe Veterans at Masuk High School.  Approximately 200 Monroe Veterans received the honor.

To be eligible for the honor, a veteran must have served in time of war, as defined in state statutes, and who either was a resident of Connecticut at the time he or she was called to active duty for such service, or is domiciled in this state on the date of such award.

This year, Rep. Hovey mailed letters throughout Monroe informing Veterans of the medal.  Medals will be mailed to Veterans who submitted an approved application to the CT Department of Veterans Affairs, but did not wish to attend today’s celebration. 

“The turnout of Veterans and their families was tremendous,” said Rep. Hovey. “We cannot possibly give enough thanks to the men and women who received this honor for their service to our nation.  The ceremony and the medals provided a way for the people of Monroe and the State of Connecticut to show their appreciation.”

“Our Veterans are a national treasure and I am grateful to have the opportunity to honor their service and their sacrifices in this way,” said Sen. Russo.  “These brave men and women have led exemplary lives that deserve recognition.  I hope their stories of courage and patriotism continue to be told for generations to come.”

“This ceremony celebrated the lives of more than 200 heroic Veterans who received the War Time Service Medal and live right here in Monroe,” said Sen. Debicella.  “We can never say thank you enough to the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s military during times of war.”   

State Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff Charley Williams and Monroe First Selectman Tom Buzi also attended today’s ceremony. Rep. Hovey pledged that she and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz would also travel to hospitals where any local Veteran is a patient to personally deliver their medal.

Rep. Hovey also donated a large American flag to the Town of Monroe during the event. Town officials will employ the flag after determining which current flag most needs replacing.