Korean War Veterans Honored at West Hartford Town Hall
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Retired West Hartford Police Chief Robert McCue receives an official statement of appreciation for his service during the Korean War in a 2021 ceremony. Pictured (from left): Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas Saadi, Mayor Shari Cantor, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Robert McCue, state Rep. Kate Farrar, state Sen. Derek Slap. Photo credit: Renee McCue (we-ha.com file photo)
West Hartford residents who are Korean War veterans were honored by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Mayor Shari Cantor.
Lionel Jackowitz, a Korean War veteran from West Hartford, shows his Medal of Freedom. Photo credit: Renee McCue
By Ronni Newton
Ceremonies are being held throughout the state to honor veterans of the Korean War, and on July 14 Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Mayor Shari Cantor, and Thomas Saadi, commissioner of Veterans Affairs visited West Hartford to recognize those who served 70 years ago.
Bysiewicz has been visiting communities across the state to honor veterans for their service in what she said unfortunately has come to be known as the “forgotten war,” since it occurred when people were still recovering from World War II and just before the Vietnam War, which ushered in a period of political and social turmoil.
Eight men – including retired West Hartford Police Chief Robert McCue – were honored in West Hartford in a ceremony that included participation by local Boy Scouts and color guards from the West Hartford Fire Department, West Hartford Police Department, and American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96. Ben Cantor, the son of the West Hartford mayor, sang the National Anthem.
Some of the veterans shared stories of their service during the Korean War, and Lionel Jackowitz wore the Medal of Freedom he was awarded.
State Sen. Derek Slap and state Rep. Kate Farrar were also in attendance and spoke at the ceremony.
Rev. Dana Hallenbeck gave the invocation.
West Hartford resident Ken Hungerford receives a statement of appreciation for his service in the Korean War. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Benjamin Cantor sings the National Anthem. At right is Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Color guards from the West Hartford Police and Fire departments, as well as American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 participate in a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Boy Scouts from Troop 146, Nathan Refici (left) and Oliver Buckley, lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a ceremony for Korean War veterans at West Hartford Town Hall. At right is Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. Photo credit: Renee McCue
West Hartford resident Daniel Berman receives a statement of appreciation for his service in the Korean War. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Elaine Kotler shares a story about her father during a ceremony at West Hartford Town Hall honoring Korean War veterans. Photo credit: Renee McCue
West Hartford resident Gerald Perloff receives a statement of appreciation for his service in the Korean War. Photo credit: Renee McCue
West Hartford resident Harry Davidson shares a story about his service in Korea during a recognition ceremony at West Hartford Town Hall. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Suzie D’Annolfo receiving a certificate of recognition on behalf of her husband, Frank, during a ceremony at West Hartford Town Hall. Photo credit: Renee McCue
West Hartford resident Raymond Goulet receives a statement of appreciation for his service in the Korean War. Photo credit: Renee McCue
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