House Republican Press Release

September 12, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides to Host Veterans’ Medal Ceremony

Veterans from Derby, Orange and Woodbridge to Be Honored

HARTFORD – Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) will be hosting a ceremony honoring veterans of the armed services from Derby, Orange and Woodbridge who served during America’s armed conflicts.  Over 300 veterans from these communities have been invited to the event to be awarded the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge, and will be split into two ceremonies, one at 9:30 AM, and another at 2:00 PM, due to the large number of veterans being awarded medals.

Officials from the towns of Derby, Orange and Woodbridge as well as members of the towns’ state legislative delegations will participate.  The Commissioner of the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Linda Spoonster Schwartz will preside over the event, and a color guard for both ceremonies will be provided by the First Company Governor’s Horse Guards.

“This is an important event honoring the sacrifice, patriotism and valor of many of the members of the Derby and Woodbridge communities,” said Klarides.  “The 6^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, and the men and women who subsequently answered our nation’s call to arms in the global war on terrorism help bring into greater focus the commitment and dedication to our liberty and freedom that our veterans represent.  I am honored to be a part of this ceremony honoring those in our communities who served.”