The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
151 more names inscribed on veterans war memorial
HAMDEN — A large crowd of community residents stood in the sunshine and applauded Saturday afternoon as the names of 151 of the town’s military veterans were added to the Hamden Veterans Memorial.
Joseph Deeley Jr., who served in the U.S. Navy, said he got “a little bit emotional” when he learned his name would appear on the expanding plaque.
Asked if this was a proud moment for him, Deeley replied, “Oh yeah. This is hitting me a little bit. I’ve been in and out of the hospital for operations.”
The issue of medical care for veterans was raised during the ceremony by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. He told the crowd, “I will never, ever allow anyone to dismantle the Veterans Administration in the health care it provides. We have an obligation to make sure it never abandons its commitment to our nation’s heroes.”
This issue has become heated over the past week with President Donald J. Trump’s dismissal of David J. Shulkin, the secretary of veterans affairs, replaced by Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, the White House physician. Shulkin had opposed the idea of giving veterans the option of using their benefits to see private doctors rather than going to government hospitals and clinics. Prominent veterans groups have said “privatization” would lead to poorer medical care.
Blumenthal began his remarks by noting the gathering was being held amidst celebrations for Easter and Passover. “The right to worship is one of our sacred liberties as Americans,” he said. “So is the right to speak. Those rights are not accidental. They’re due to our veterans, who safeguarded America’s freedoms.”
But Blumenthal, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1970-76, said we need to support veterans “not just through words; we need to do it by actions. This means job opportunities and health care.”
Alluding to America’s ongoing military involvement in Afghanistan, Blumenthal said, “We are fighting the longest war in our history with the smallest percentage of our population: less than 1 percent.”
Connecticut Sen. George S. Logan, R-17, said, “A lot of folks take our veterans and our freedoms for granted. But those who have served understand how fragile our freedom can be.”
Logan added: “If you see a veteran, just say, ‘Thank you for your years of service.’ This shows you acknowledge their sacrifices.”
Hamden Town Clerk Vera Morrison told the gathering that the ceremony marked the fifth time names have been enshrined on the large plaque that stands in front of Hamden Middle School. At the first installation in 1993, 7,828 names were listed. In 1995, 202 more were added; in 2008, 191 more; in 2013, an additional 150. The 151 new names brings the total listed to 8,522.
The monument is constructed of granite with bronze plaques. It is 32-feet long and weights 22 1/2 tons.
Morrison thanked Abner Oakes III, chairman of Hamden’s Veterans Commission and other members of the commission. The members took turns reading aloud all 151 names.
Morrison also noted the names on the plaque now include those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
She read a proclamation from Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng, designating Saturday as a day for the town to show its appreciation to the veterans.
Many of the 151 who were honored were on hand for the ceremony. Russell Freeman Jr., 92, who served with the U.S. Navy in World War II, said, “I feel good about it. It was an honor to serve my country. I was so happy that we came out the winner.”
Barry Diggs, 69, who was with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam in 1968-69, said seeing his name up there made him feel “great.” He added, “It lets people know I served for this country and tried to help out another country.”
Ron Zacks, who served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59, said of those listed: “They were heroic. They are deserving of this honor. So many people don’t seem to want to serve their country anymore.”
And William Lavelle, 77, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1958-62, said, “It’s an honor to have my name up with all the other veterans.”