Branford’s new World War II memorial monument was dedicated and officially unveiled on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Veterans Memorial Park.

Officials with the Town of Branford, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12106, and American Legion Post 83 helped to recognize the importance of the granite stone memorial, dedicated to all who served during WWII and to honor 36 Branford residents who did not survive.

VFW Post 12106 member Chuck Larkins (U.S. Air Force, Vietnam War) and American Legion Post 83’s Tom Sudac (CP U.S. Army National Guard, Korean War) spearheaded the effort to bring in the monument.

The ceremony also honored the efforts of a long-time advocate who pursued creating a Branford WWII monument, the late Vincent Thomas. A WWII veteran, VFW member, and American Legion member/past president Thomas, a Branford resident, passed away in June of 2022.

“This was a dream of Vinny Thomas, to have a statue placed in Branford so we all could remember the veterans of World War II,” said Sudac. “Today is really his dream coming true. I appreciate you coming here today to honor this man. He was truly a historic person in Branford, and my memories go to him today.”

Larkins led the veterans in attendance in removing their caps for a moment of silence for Thomas. Silence was also observed as VFW Quartermaster Frank Stanowski read aloud the 36 names of those memorialized by the monument.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove thanked all veterans for their service and sacrifice, and Branford’s VFW and American Legion posts for their work to bring in the monument.

“It was an honor to be a small part of your efforts to bring this to fruition,” said Cosgrove.

He also thanked the gathered Branford residents who came to the ceremony, including those who brought their children. He asked them to consider the 36 residents represented by the monument.

“These are 36 individuals from this community who left the comfort, the safety of their hometown to go serve our country to defend our ideals and protect our nation, so all of us, and future generations, can have a better life,” said Cosgrove.

Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. echoed Cosgrove’s comments that the 36 names read aloud at the ceremony will be familiar to many community members.

“Most of them were just teenagers; a couple of them were in their early 20’s. They were kids. I want our younger generation to understand that they made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said Palluzzi.

Board of Recreation chair Paul Criscuolo served as master of ceremonies at the event, which also featured musical selections performed by the Second Co. Governors Foot Guard and Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, a rifle salute, and Taps.

US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro sent her remarks and thanks to the organizers, stating, in part, “...the millions of Americans who served in World War II are the very symbol the of liberties of our great nation was founded on, [with] so many making the ultimate sacrifice in that hard-fought victory. We should never forget that sacrifice, and this monument will ensure that future generations remember that there were once great threats to our freedoms and liberty they cherish.”

Branford State Representative Robin Comey (D, District 102) attended the dedication, which gathered around the monument at the flag pole in park entrance’s central garden circle.

“It was a beautiful ceremony, dedicated to all those that served our country in World War II,” Comey said. “Having this memorial here, for generations of Branford residents to see, is a positive addition to our community.”

The names of the 36 Branford WWII veterans honored by the monument are: George R. Adams Jr., Elmer P. Anderson, James W. Barba, Bernard B. Brown, David O. Champaigne, John W. Clark, William G. Colby, Arthur Morse Curtis, Steve Dukas, Cruger G. Edgerton, Russell Fleming, Arthur W. Johnson, Robert E. Kells, Haorld Larrabee, Louis E. Lepre, Jasper Long Jr., Fritz Luza, Roger Monast, Charles Montelius, Joseph C. Mooney, William H. Pardee Jr., Henry Patenaude, Theodore Patenaude, Zenna A. Radowicz, Arthur Radtke, Austin Ryer, Lewis E. Saniesky, Eric G. Schoening, Fred W. Schoening