Matt Lesser

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Phipps Participate in Highway Sign Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony for Locations Honoring Veterans

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and state Representative Quentin Phipps participated in a highway sign unveiling ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park honoring our state’s veterans. The Senator was instrumental in getting brand new signs installed alerting motorists of Veterans Memorial Park, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and the Greater Middletown Military Museum.

“I am pleased to see these signs unveiled as they will increase visits at these important locations in our community,” said Sen. Lesser. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives for this country and our freedom. Veterans Memorial Park, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and the Greater Middletown Military Museum are not only educational tools, but also serve as a showing of our community’s deep respect and gratitude for our nation’s heroes.”

The sign unveiling coincided with the “Run for the Fallen,” a 65K run at Veterans Memorial Park. The 65 kilometers is in remembrance of the 65 service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Rep. Phipps shared words of support for veterans, their families and runners.

“The newly installed signs will definitely bring attention to these three sites that honor the sacrifices and heroism of those who have given their all for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Rep. Phipps. “I am forever grateful to our veterans and their families for their service to our state and country.”

Other Middletown lawmakers who helped to make this a reality also expressed their gratitude for our state veterans and active duty members and added these signs will be beneficial to the park, memorial and museum.

“I am proud to honor the achievements and sacrifices of Middletown and Connecticut veterans. Veterans Memorial Park and the Greater Middletown Military Museum provide us with an outlet to reflect and remember the bravery, perseverance, and selfless service of America’s veterans,” said state Representative Joseph Serra (D–Middletown).

“I am ecstatic these signs will help draw attention to Middletown’s beautiful landmarks, helping let visitors know about them, while also honoring the sacrifices and hard work of the veterans who fought not only for our country, but to recognize the museum, park and memorial we’re celebrating today,” said state Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire).

The founder and president of the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Sue Martucci, expressed her gratitude for the work of Sen. Lesser. She said this is a testament to the care, support and respect the city of Middletown shows to its’ veterans.

“We truly appreciate Sen. Lesser’s time and efforts to realize the new road signs that have been installed in Middletown that announce Veterans Memorial Park, the Greater Middletown Veterans Military Museum and the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial,” said Martucci. “We have already heard of folks coming to the Park who either didn’t know it existed or didn’t know about the Museum and Trees of Honor Memorial. The signs will go a long way to help increase awareness and visits to the newest additions to Veterans Memorial Park. Thank you Sen. Lesser for your dedication and diligence in serving our military, our veterans, Blue and Gold Star families and the entire Middletown community!”

The Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial was dedicated on September 17, 2016 to honor the lives of the 65 men and women from Connecticut killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are also honored with the aforementioned 65K race. The Trees of Honor are located in Veterans Memorial Park and features a unique living tree design and memorial sculptures providing a space to reflect, remember and learn more about our state’s fallen heroes.

The Greater Middletown Military Museum is also located at Veterans Memorial Park. The museum is a tribute to American veterans, providing them with a space to tell their stories through memorabilia. The museum was the brainchild of a group of local Vietnam War veterans who began holding meetings in 2002 to plan this project. The museum held its’ grand opening on April 13, 2019.