Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans And Military Affairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Veteran’s widow urges city to memorialize late Marine honored in Purple Heart City designation
Summary
A resident asked council to record and recognize her late husband’s military service in Middletown’s Purple Heart City records and told his story during public comment; council members expressed support and asked for additional information.
Dora Bronston, the widow of Marine Lafayette Antonio Braunston, urged Middletown City Council to include her late husband's name in the city's Purple Heart City records and public history during the Feb. 4 public-comment period.
Bronston recounted her husband's service in Vietnam and listed medals and honors she said he received, saying he was “the most decorated man in town at that time.” She described his three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, service medals and enduring health impacts from combat.
Why it matters: Brunson framed her request as part of the city’s recent Purple Heart City designation and as a plea to ensure local veterans’ service is recorded and memorialized. Council members responded with appreciation: Council Member Lolli thanked Bronston and recalled knowing Lafayette through local firefighting connections; Council Member West, a veteran, said the account underscored the sacrifices made by service members and encouraged additional documentation and city consideration.
Details and next steps: Bronston offered to leave documentation with the clerk of council; Council requested she submit the materials. No formal council action, directive, or funding decision was made that evening. The city clerk or staff did not provide a scheduled follow-up at the meeting.
Ending: Bronston’s remarks and council commentary took place during the public-comment period; Council members expressed support and asked the resident to provide documents for staff follow-up.
