When the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard marched in the Presidential Inauguration parade on Thursday in Washington, D.C., it was accompanied by the memory of the 22 Connecticut soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Last Sunday, the Second Company held a somber ceremony at its stables on the campus of Fairfield Hills honored the Connecticut men and women who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan. With some of the family members of those fallen heroes on hand, the parade blanket of each horse was adorned with a black ribbon inscribed with a soldier’s name, rank and branch of service.

“We felt it was appropriate to dedicate our ride to those who have lost their lives,” said Major Janis Arena, commandant of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard. “We are honored the Connecticut soldiers who have given their lives for freedom.”

Major Arena was joined in the dedication by state representative Julia Wasserman and Major General William Cugno.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to the Second Company,” said Maj. Gen. Cugno, “for taking on a project to honor our fallen heroes.”

The families of Army Spc. Tyanna Avery-Felder (Bridgeport), Marine Corps Cpl. Kemaphoom Chanawongse (Waterford) and Army National Guard Spc. Robert Hoyt (Ashford) were on hand to participate in the ceremony.