Stratford came together on June 15 to recognize more than 100 local Korean War- and Vietnam War-era veterans for their service to our country.
The recognition ceremony brought veterans, families, community members, and elected officials together at Stratford High School to honor the men and women who served during two defining periods in our nation’s history.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined Mayor David Chess, Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner John Carragher, members of Stratford’s state legislative delegation, and other local leaders for the ceremony.
For the veterans in attendance, the recognition was about much more than receiving an award or certificate. It was an opportunity for Stratford to say thank you.
Many veterans returned home from military service without the public recognition they deserved, particularly those who served during the Vietnam era. Ceremonies like this provide communities with an opportunity to acknowledge that service and ensure those sacrifices are not forgotten.
State Representative Kaitlyn Shake, who participated in the ceremony, described it as an opportunity to honor more than 100 Stratford veterans and recognize the sacrifices they made in service to our nation.
Stratford has a proud tradition of supporting its veterans, from local ceremonies and community events to the work of veterans organizations and the Stratford Veterans Museum.
That tradition depends on continuing to tell these stories.
We thank every veteran who was recognized, along with their families and loved ones who supported them during and after their service.
The Stratford Democratic Town Committee also thanks the Town of Stratford, Mayor Chess, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, our legislative delegation, and everyone who helped make this recognition possible.
Most importantly, to our veterans: thank you for your service to our country and our community.