Printer Friendly Version - State Rep. John-Michael Parker and Fred Muzer of Madison American Legion Post 79 Unveil Plaques Honoring Service Members Killed in Vietnam

Three plaques honoring the 616 service members from Connecticut who died in the Vietnam War were unveiled in the concourse between the State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building on April 17. The plaques were presented by State Representative John Michael-Parker (D-Madison) and Fred Muzer of American Legion Griswold Post 79. Photo courtesy of The Connecticut General Assembly

On April 17, State Representative John-Michael Parker (D- Madison) was joined by Fred Muzer and other members of American Legion Griswold Post 79, along with Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch, leaders of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, and others to unveil three plaques honoring the fallen Connecticut service members who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

“Six-hundred-and-sixteen brave Connecticut service members gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the Vietnam War. Today, I was proud to unveil this beautiful memorial in their honor,” Rep. Parker said. “The loss these soldiers and their families have experienced can never be fully mended, but through these plaques in our State Capitol, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring and remembering these brave heroes. Thank you to all the individuals and organizations who worked so hard over multiple years on this project, in particular Fred Muzer at the American Legion Griswold Post 79, to make this long-overdue memorial a reality.”

The three plaques feature the name, branch of service, and hometown of each fallen soldier. It is on display in the concourse between the State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building, alongside memorials to other service members.

"It is important that we remember those who never made it back home, and we can best honor them by never forgetting those who did,” said Muzer.

Welch, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Army, echoed Muzer’s sentiments in regards to this memorial.

“To our Gold Star families and Vietnam veterans who joined us, nothing I can say will take away the pain you have endured for over the past 50 years with your most significant loss. These three beautiful plaques serve as a permanent reminder that we must always remember, honor, respect and cherish the service of your loved ones. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy every day in our great state and nation. It’s also a day to honor you, the grieving families and friends left behind so many years ago,” Welch said.

State Rep. Parker represents the 101st District, which includes Madison and Durham.