In a heartfelt effort to honor and recognize the courage and sacrifices of living World War II veterans, Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch and Major General Francis Evon of the Connecticut National Guard, has announced a commemorative ceremony. This event will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Governor William A. O’Neill State Armory, located at 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT.
The ceremony marks the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II, a pivotal moment in history that ended in September 1945. The event aims to recognize and thank members of the Greatest Generation, whose dedication and bravery shaped the freedom and democracy enjoyed today.
Statewide Call to Action
Connecticut towns are invited to take part in this meaningful tribute. Local leaders are being asked to identify living World War II veterans residing in their communities and assist them in attending the event. Town CEOs have been requested to compile a list of names, including veterans’ branch of service and age, by Monday, May 5, 2025. This information should be shared with the Lieutenant Governor’s office to ensure all veterans are properly honored.
If no World War II veterans are currently living in a town, officials are encouraged to notify the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Cooperation with local American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters, and Municipal Veteran Representatives is highly recommended to maximize participation and support.
How to Participate
Families, friends, and community members can reach out to their local municipal offices or veteran organizations to ensure that eligible veterans are recognized. For any inquiries or further details, the Lieutenant Governor’s office can be contacted at LtGovernor.Bysiewicz@ct.gov or (860) 299-5965.
Honoring the Legacy of the Greatest Generation
This ceremony serves as a reminder of the immeasurable contributions made by World War II veterans. By gathering to celebrate their service, Connecticut ensures that their legacy endures, and their sacrifices are never forgotten. The state invites everyone to join in this historic tribute and express gratitude to those who served during one of the most defining periods in modern history.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.