On September 21, Senator Tony Hwang hosted a Connecticut Wartime Service Medal Ceremony at Newtown High School as a way to recognize the service of our state’s veterans.

“It truly was an honor to host this event, which brought the community together to publicly thank our veterans for their service,” Hwang said.

The Connecticut Veterans’ Wartime Service Medal was established by Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut General Assembly in 2005 as a way to recognize the service of our state’s veterans.

The medal includes the distinctive red, white, and blue colors along with the official seal of each branch of the US Armed Forces and the words “For Service.” Additionally, each veteran received a ribbon.

“These veterans put aside civilian life to stand for something greater,” said Hwang. “Many left family and friends to fight in foreign lands and protect freedom.”

Hwang said that the veterans embodied what he aspired to in immigrating to the country. Hwang’s family moved from mainland China to Taiwan, and then moved to the US when he was nine years old.

“I saw American soldiers as protectors and ambassadors,” said Hwang. “To me, American soldiers mean more than just Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.

“You were there for people in need of help,” said Hwang, addressing the approximately 100 assembled veterans.

Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Tom Saadi, a lieutenant colonel in the army reserves, said it was important to him to “serve those who serve.”

“It is because of those who served that all citizens have the luxury of living in a free country,” said Saadi. “They can worship as they choose, think as they choose, and support the government or not support the government as they choose, without the fear of oppression. They protect people across the world from tyranny and oppression.”

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.