State Lawmakers Join Torrington Veterans & Pearl Harbor Survivor Observing the 75th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack

Torrington – Local lawmakers including Representative Jay Case (R-63), Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8), Senator-elect Craig Miner (R-30), and Representative-elect Brian Ohler (R-64) attended the Torrington Pearl Harbor Day Observance program on Wednesday December 7, 2016 hosted by the Torrington Veterans Support Committee and its member groups at Torrington’s Coe Park. The legislators joined veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivor and Navy veteran Isadore Tadiello from Canaan, in a ceremony recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces.

“It was an honor to address our nation’s bravest men and women in Torrington today, in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack,” said Representative Jay Case. “Defeat could have easily been accepted, after all eight battleships stationed that morning at Pearl Harbor were heavily damaged to the point that they were no longer operational. However, all but two returned to active duty. A true testament to the strength and will of this country’s armed forces. We have our World War II veterans to thank for all the freedoms and opportunities this country offers us today, specifically the successful naval operations in the South Pacific following the horrific attack.”

“Seventy-five years ago our nation suffered an attack that took the lives of thousands of Americans,” said Senator Kevin Witkos. “It was horrific and devastating. But out of tragedy came bravery. Out of pain came unity. And out of suffering came a call to serve. Today we recognize the many courageous lives lost in Pearl Harbor, we honor those who survived, and we share our love with the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so long ago. It is a somber day, but also a day to remember the bravery and honor of those who protected our nation so that we could live with liberty and freedom.”

“Today, we honor the bravery of the men and women who stood fast in the face of the devastating surprise attack at Pearl Harbor in 1941,” said Senator-elect Craig Miner. “As we know, through grit and determination, America would persevere to ultimately triumph over the powers of fascism and tyranny. It is worth reflecting on the resolve our country showed 75 years ago when victory was anything but assured, and the only guarantees for the immediate future were struggle and sacrifice. Today we salute that courage.”

Representative-elect Brian Ohler added, “It was an immense honor to attend the ceremony recognizing the 75 years that have passed since that fateful day in 1941. It was especially moving to have Mr. Tadiello, a Navy veteran and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, in attendance. I’ve had the honor and pleasure of knowing him since I was a young boy. His story is forever engrained in my memory and he will always be a hero of mine. His presence alone exudes compassion and kindness.”

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