Honoring Those Who Served—A New Memorial for Connecticut Veterans

A Press Release from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. 

Construction of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial kicked off on April 22 with an official groundbreaking ceremony in Hartford’s Minuteman Park.

This will be the first State memorial to honor Connecticut men and women who have served in America’s military since Revolutionary War times. A variety of dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz, Major General Thaddeus J. Martin, Connecticut Adjutant General of Connecticut National Guard, Chaplain (Major) David C. Nutt of the Connecticut Army National Guard.

A number of veterans also participated, including Captain Andrea Marcille of New London, a 1989 graduate of the U.S.Coast Guard Academy and current Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Leadership Development Center. The colors were presented by members of the Connecticut National Guard in a procession with the Antique Veterans, World Post #1, of Meriden, Conn..

The memorial will honor the more than 1.3 million Connecticut citizens who have served our nation, in defense of peace and freedom. The memorial will recognize past, present, and future Connecticut veterans and will be a site for official observances, activities, and ceremonies that honor veterans. 

“I applaud the partners and board of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial for their efforts to see this important project through,” said Governor Malloy. “Since the Revolutionary War, Connecticut’s armed forces have served the state and the nation with courage and bravery. Having a community gathering place to honor them reflects our deep respect for their commitment and sacrifices.” 

“There is great significance in the placement of this Memorial, on land between the Armory and the Legislative Office Building,” explained Commissioner Schwartz. “Here in front of the Armory – where generations of Connecticut men and women have gone off to fight and returned from war – and the Halls of our Legislature – where our treasured freedoms are exercised every day. The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will be a reminder that veterans past, present and future have sacrificed to win and sustain the freedoms we all enjoy and to secure peace throughout the world.” 

The memorial’s architectural designs by BL Companies of Meriden, Conn., were announced at the event, as were plans to complete the project by the end of 2013. The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will feature a granite colonnade structure consisting of five columns representing each branch of military service as the memorial’s main focal point.

A semi-circular granite Honor wall with “HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED” engraving will act as the memorial’s framing element. The memorial will highlight various conflicts with engraved granite makers throughout the plaza. Included will be granite pavers, benches, specialty lighting, and landscaping. 

To view the architectural design of the future Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, and get information about how to make a donation to help build the memorial, visit www.cthonorsvets.org or call 860-616-3603.