New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Restaurant honors U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan
GUILFORD — The suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops Aug. 26 at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan hit close to home for some at a shoreline restaurant.
During a weekend event at Guilford Mooring Restaurant, there was a somber reminder of the latest American casualties of the war in Afghanistan.
In an understated memorial, a long table was set for the American troops killed Thursday in the bombing, which The Associated Press reported also killed at least 169 Afghans.
Amid the table settings, poured pints of Thimble American Ale and a folded American flag, was a sign that read, “Reserved for our Fallen Heroes.”
Jessica Pellegrini, manager at the Mooring, and her husband, Anthony, executive head chef, said they both wanted to honor the American dead with the small tribute.
This especially hit home for the couple — one of Anthony Pellegrini’s brothers had served in the Navy, returning home four years ago, while Jessica Pellegrini’s stepbrother, Anthony D’Agostino, was killed in action in Iraq in 2003.
“Before his 21st birthday, he was shot down in a Chinook [helicopter],” she said. “So this is something near and dear to us.”
“We were praying for their families — especially today — they’re [the slain soldiers] all being flown home today – that’s definitely in our minds,” Jessica Pellegrini said.
When the guests arrived at the shower, Jessica Pellegrini said some were emotional about the memorial in the restaurant.
“Everyone is pretty emotional. I had a woman pull me aside. She was crying, I was crying.”
All in all, “Everyone was supportive,” she said.
“Sometimes we have to think we have all these freedoms,” Pellegrini said. “A lot of lives have been lost for us to have these freedoms — and we need to remember that and appreciate that.”
President Joe Biden, in a statement from the White House Saturday, said “The 13 service members that we lost were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our highest American ideals and while saving the lives of others.
“Their bravery and selflessness has enabled more than 117,000 people at risk to reach safety thus far,” Biden said. “May
God protect our troops and all those standing watch in these dangerous days.”
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During the shower, a woman came up to her, Pellegrini said, “She was crying and she said that her son was a part of that company — he was brought home [safely]. … It was just a very emotional subject for her.”
Jessica Pellegrini said she told the woman that she was sorry the display upset her, but the mother told her, “‘No, no, no. I’m happy it’s there.’”
Pellegrini said she hoped to leave the memorial up until all the Americans are back home.
“I think it’s something that needs to be thought of consistently,” she said. “I think until this whole thing is resolved and we get everybody safely home and we’re not losing any more American soldiers’ lives.”
Pellegrini said she and her husband also are worried about the fate of the Afghans who helped the Americans.
“They did so much for us — we need to do whatever we can to help them,” she said. “The sacrifices that they’ve made. They could have been killed over there by helping us.”