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Simsbury ceremony honors fallen service members; town and state officials pledge continued support
Summary
At Simsbury Center, local and state officials led a wreath-laying ceremony calling for continued support for veterans and families; speakers cited recent state measures and emphasized teaching future generations about service.
Simsbury Center — Hundreds gathered as a community ceremony at Simsbury Center honored U.S. service members and urged continued support for veterans and their families. The event opened with remarks framing this year’s theme, “keep moving forward,” and included the presentation of colors and the national anthem.
First selectman Wendy McStudios was introduced among local officials in attendance, and state senator Paul Honig was noted as present. A town representative thanked local partners — including the Abigail Phelps chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, VFW post 1926 and Legion post 84 — for organizing wreath placements and supporting the event.
A legislative official identified as cochair of the legislature’s veterans and military affairs committee recounted recent actions at the state level to aid veterans: passage of what the speaker called the “hero act” to expand services and recognition, establishing November as veterans month, waiving certain college fees for veterans and service members, expanding eligibility for state services, accelerating nursing home placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and adding veteran service officers to help veterans access benefits. “Your service mattered,” the speaker said, emphasizing the human impact behind the measures.
Emcees then described wreaths placed in honor of the eight branches of the U.S. armed forces and a wreath recognizing more than 80,000 American service members still listed as missing in action or prisoners of war. Father Steven Sladecki led a benediction asking for consolation for families and protection for current service members.
The program concluded with ceremonial removal of the colors and brief musical recognition. Organizers and officials framed the ceremony as both remembrance and a call to maintain services for veterans and to teach future generations the reasons behind their service.
Next steps: the ceremony concluded without formal votes or policy decisions; speakers pointed to recent and ongoing legislative and administrative work related to veterans services.
