MADISON

State and local officials honored Madison veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars at a ceremony in the Daniel Hand High School gymnasium on June 28. According to town officials, Madison has had hundreds of service members who hailed the call to duty and lost several citizens in both wars.

The dignitaries included First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Christine Cohen, and veteran and State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch. All spoke of the sacrifice these men and women made and the lack of compassion displayed to these service members upon their return stateside.

Lyons said no amount of gratitude can ever fully express Madison’s debt to its veterans.

“It is so inspiring to see over 80 Madison veterans all gathered together here in this one place and in this one town that we all love so much,” said Lyons. “We recognize and commemorate your service to our country. We are grateful for the sacrifices you made for us and are honored today that you’ve chosen to be here for this special ceremony.”

Bysiewicz also noted Connecticut’s veterans’ sacrifice and continued service to their communities.

“It is such an honor and a privilege to be here in Madison to recognize Korean veterans and Vietnam veterans as well,” Bysiewicz said. “I’m very honored to be here to say thank you to those who served in two wars that really didn’t receive the thanks, recognition, and appreciation that they deserved when they came home. There are…things that our Korean and Vietnam veterans have in common; one is the incredible resilience that they have shown despite all those challenges and hardships…we thank you for the life of service you have lived. You really are role models for what good citizens should be.”

Welch said he has been humbled by honoring events such as the one Madison held. Welch said the experience of veterans inspired his decision to join the Army.

“Welcome home and remember you are not alone,” said Welch. “You should have heard those words when you first got home. “Unfortunately, many times that didn’t happen.”

Welch was an Army Ranger, among other service designations. He served more than 40 years in the military and was seriously injured in a parachute accident while training. He served in the CT National Guard and also in Afghanistan during his decades in service, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General.