House Republican Press Release
September 23, 2008
Press Office: 860-240-8700
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REP. FREY ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 136 VETERANS FROM RIDGEFIELD WERE HONORED WITH CT WARTIME SERVICE MEDAL |
RIDGEFIELD- More than 136 veterans from Ridgefield received a state veterans medal at a presentation featuring music September 21st organized by Representative John Frey, over 390 people were in attendance at The Ridgefield Playhouse ceremony.
Speakers included Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele, Deputy Veteran Commissioner John Wiltse and Ridgefield American Legion Post Commander Bob Tulipani.
The Nightingales, a group of Ridgefield High School female students, sang patriotic songs for the ceremony.
In 2005, the General Assembly passed legislation to authorize the design and awarding of ribbons and medals to Connecticut's veterans. These medals are intended to be a visible symbol of the gratitude and pride by the state of Connecticut for the efforts of our veterans.
Rep. John Frey said in his remarks at the event, “It is the first of its kind that the state has minted since the end of World War I. The 270,000 veterans who will receive it are Connecticut natives or current residents who served in a war and received honorable discharges. All living war veterans from World War II to the current war in Iraq are entitled to the medal.”
“Nothing gives me greater pride than to see so many of our beloved veterans here with their families. When our nation faced critical times of armed conflict the veterans we honor here today answered the call to arms, defended our liberty and freedom, and made it their personal mission to preserve them for our future generations. I look around and see veterans who, after their service, became teachers, policemen, contractors, doctors, scientists and who have become town leaders in so many ways,” Rep. Frey added.
“I want to personally extend my gratitude and appreciation to all of you for being there when your communities and America needed you. The Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal is a very small token of the great appreciation we all have for your defending this nation. I hope when each of you look on this medal, you will remember how much this state honors your service, and will never forget it,” concluded Rep. John Frey.
Veterans who were eligible for the medal but who were unable to attend the ceremony will be receiving their medal in the coming weeks.
Wartime veterans interested in applying the CT Medal should contact Representative Frey at (800) 842-1423 for4 further information.
State Rep. John Frey serves the 111th Assembly District of Ridgefield in the state House of Representatives.
