EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Veterans, local leaders and state officials gathered in East Hartford to lay a wreath and to hear the tolling of the bell in recognition of fallen World War I heroes and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces for Veterans Day.
Governor Ned Lamont and Mayor Michael Walsh placed the wreath at the foot of the "Doughboy" World War I Memorial Statue in front of the East Hartford Public Library Thursday morning with over 30 people in attendance.
While at the event, Lamont offered his thanks for the service of all those in uniform. After remembering the fallen of World War I, Lamont looked to the men and women in uniform serving today.
Lamont reassured current military members that his administration is doing all it can to ensure they have support and resources in finding a job and any other needs.
"If you were in the military police, we'll get you a job in the East Hartford police. If you were a medic, we'll get you a job here as a medic..." Lamont said. "[Let's] make sure it's easy for people to continue to serve, make it easier as we remember our vets."
The town's newly-elected mayor also voiced his gratitude for veterans and made an announcement about an event that, according to him, has not happened in East Hartford in about five years.
"On behalf of the community, with the work of John Cook and the Veterans Commission, we are going to bring back the Memorial Day Parade to East Hartford in 2022," Walsh said to a round of applause.
Attendees also observed a reading of the 18 names listed on the statue. The names are of World War I East Hartford resident veterans who lost their lives during the war. Attendees then listened to the tolling of the First Congregational Church Bell and had a moment of silence in their honor.
Later in the afternoon, Lamont joined Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz at another wreath-laying ceremony in Middletown.