MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—State officials, military members and veteran organization leaders gathered at the Middletown State Veterans Cemetery Wednesday afternoon to honor those who have served, and continue to serve, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Governor Ned Lamont encouraged families to speak to their children about veterans and what their service means, as he did with his own children.
Telling the stories of veterans is a way to honor their memory and to remember the importance of their sacrifice, Lamont said.
It's more important than ever, Lamont said, "that you tell your kids and grandkids what it meant, what it meant to stand up for your country, stand up for values, stand up for something bigger than yourself."
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz echoed his sentiment and urged people to thank a veteran whenever they get the chance.
To Bysiewicz, it's appropriate that Veterans Day typically lands a week after Election Day.
"That is because those that created Veterans Day wanted us to understand that our veterans fought for and sacrificed those precious freedoms: the right to vote, the right to speak freely, the right to worship as we choose," she said.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal agreed with Bysiewicz in that veterans should be honored every day of the year and not just with words but with action.
For their service, Blumenthal said veterans are owed education, health care, job skill training and other services that are all too often not provided.
This is especially true now, he said, with military members fighting against a widespread foe: COVID-19.
"They have contributed, in fact, even in the midst of this war against a common enemy, they have fought the pandemic. Particularly our National Guard. We should be so proud of our National Guard here in Connecticut, setting up those hospitals, providing the kind of service here in America that they have also provided abroad," Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal calls on the whole nation to come together to help ensure the services veterans and military members need are provided.
Some city officials took to twitter to show their support for veterans.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin tweeted: "To everyone who has served in uniform, to their families and loved ones, and to everyone currently serving and especially those deployed overseas today, thank you."
In New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker showed the moment he took to honor veterans with a photo.
Police Departments also showed their support and gratitude via twitter, including Connecticut State Police who tweeted a thank you as they honored "those who served for our freedom, today and everyday."
Hartford Police shared a video of their men and women in uniform.
In encouraging the people of Connecticut to share the stories of the veterans in their lives, Lamont said he would do the same everywhere he goes.
