SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS ‘PAULIE’S PUSH’ THROUGH EAST HAMPTON AND PORTLAND HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

August 28, 2025

On Friday, August 28, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the East Hampton and Portland communities welcoming “Paulie’s Push,” an effort from retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul Veneto to push an airline beverage cart along routes symbolizing the September 11, 2001 attacks in honors of the flight crews, and all victims, who died in the attacks.

Since 2021, Veneto has pushed a cart along routes including from Boston to Ground Zero, Washington-Dulles Airport to the Pentagon and Newark, New Jersey to the Flight 93 Memorial to educate the public, raise awareness and honor those lost in the 9/11 attacks. As the 25^th anniversary of that tragic day nears, Veneto is again pushing a cart from Boston to Ground Zero ending on September 11, following a path carving through Connecticut.

Sen. Needleman joined East Hampton and Portland leaders including State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Portland) and Portland police and firefighters, among other community leaders, to welcome Veneto, who also stopped by local schools to talk to students.

“As we approach the 25^th anniversary of September 11, a day still seared into American memories, efforts like ‘Paulie’s Push’ remind us why we can never forget,” said Sen. Needleman. “Paul’s efforts remind us of the tireless, meaningful work and sacrifices made by so many in our darkest hours to support and protect our communities. I’m grateful for his efforts and look forward to see him complete his journey to Ground Zero honoring our nation.”

“Paulie’s Push” will continue through Connecticut and New York through September 11. Future events include pushes in Middletown and Durham the weekend of the 28^th, New Haven and West Haven on September 1 and Milford on September 2. For more information, visit www.pauliespush.com.

Caption: From left, State Representative Christie Carpino, Paul Veneto and State Senator Norm Needleman stand together Friday during Paulie’s Push.