Press Releases
05/18/2022
LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, CHESTER TOWN OFFICIALS HOLD CEREMONY TO HONOR KOREAN AND VIETNAM WAR VETERANS
(CHESTER, CT) – Yesterday, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Chester town and elected officials gathered together to honor veterans from the town of Chester who had served in either the Korean or Vietnam War.
The ceremony was held at Chester Memorial Park, where a monument stands to honor veterans who served in World World I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Post-Vietnam conflicts. The central panel of the monument bears a dedication reading, “There was a time when the world asked ordinary people to do extraordinary things. To the men and women of Chester who served our country.”
“No words could ever express the deep gratitude we have for the sacrifices and contributions our veterans made on the battlefield, at home, and around the world,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “While Chester is a small town, it is home to many of our state’s veterans. It’s important to remember that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today because of their courage, their bravery, and their sacrifice. As time continues to pass, it is incumbent upon us to continue to keep their stories and legacies alive for generations to come.”
Over 25 Vietnam War veterans and one Korean War veteran were honored by Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Department of Veteran’s Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi. Many were joined by their spouses, families, children and grandchildren.
“It was an honor to join with Lt. Governor Bysiewicz to recognize and thank the Korean and Vietnam War veterans of Chester for their service and sacrifice as they are part of a rich and uniquely American military tradition and history of fighting for freedom,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Tom Saadi, who is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. “The veterans recognized in Chester and their comrades aided desperate peoples fighting against communist aggression and stand as patriots, who no matter their personal politics or feelings about the wars, served and sacrificed because they answered to a higher calling - that of duty, honor and country.”
“We held this ceremony to honor our veterans, allowing all of us in town to thank them for their service,” said First Selectwoman Charlene Janecek. “I’ve known a lot of these men for the past fifty years, and their dedication and sacrifice for their country will never go unnoticed or unappreciated. I’m glad we were able to come together on a beautiful day to honor the veterans in our great town of Chester.”
"Having never been in the armed forces, I can't begin to imagine the fortitude it takes to serve," said State Representative Christine Palm. "But these men and women are our neighbors -- we patronize their businesses - the hardware stores, service stations, law firms, restaurants and companies they run. It was wonderful to gather with them to honor that other part of their lives -- however long ago it may have been, and to see the bond they share. And I am deeply grateful to represent every one of them in the General Assembly.”
“It’s wonderful that Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz dedicates her time to visiting all of our towns to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices made by our many veterans, something she’s done since 2008. I am happy to participate in joining her and recognizing the veterans who served our country,” said State Senator Norm Needleman.
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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Contact: Chelsea Neelon