VIDEO: Groton Sub Vets Honor Those Wounded In War On Terror

The Groton Submarine Veterans held a memorial service and wreath laying Wednesday to honor soldiers who have been wounded fighting the war on terror.

The program typically pays tribute to those who served during World War II, but this year focused on men and women injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“They’re laying their lives on the line, same as we did in World War II, and they deserve a little recognition,” said George Jones, a WWII Veteran. “ I’m here to help give it to them."

Capt. Bruce Derenski, the Submarine Group 2 representative at Electric Boat, said it’s important to talk about the scars of war.

“It isn’t comfortable to show, and be shown,” he said. “But we all need to know and understand the costs paid and the burdens born. Otherwise, we risk a playground understanding of conflict, that rules are followed and nothing hurts for long.”

Derenski, who served in Iraq, recalled that as a boy he knew a veteran, but never had the courage to ask him how he was injured. Derenski also recalled young men joining the service during the Vietnam era, but being afraid to say so. And he spoke of a soldier who served courageously, only to come home and take his own life, because he could not cope with the guilt and depression over losing his friends.

Understanding sacrifice, he said, is important.

 “Showing the scars teaches us that when conflict is thrust upon us, by dire necessity, that the cost can be borne; with the same strength and courage that it took to face he fire in the first place,” he said.

Linda S. Schwartz, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs, said she's committed to making sure those who have been wounded have a place at home. Others in the military understand, regardless of which branch they served in, she said.

“We are family,” she said. “We do not have to explain ourselves to each other.”

Schwartz served as a nurse during the Vietnam War, and said wounded soldiers sacrifice a part of themselves.

 “And that this is as sacred as a death,” she said. “ Because those who have been wounded, those who have been maimed, those who suffer from post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, they struggle every day.  And every day is a victory.”