Rep. Hall Seeks to Honor Deceased Veterans

Rep. Hall, alongside Commander Lucien Lefevre of The American Legion John Maciolek Post 154, testifying before the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

HARTFORD – State Rep. Carol Hall (R-59) recently joined Commander Lucien Lefevre of The American Legion John Maciolek Post 154 to testify before the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee in support of a measure regarding veteran military honors.

The legislation, HB-7181 An Act Honoring Deceased Veterans, would require certain military honors at funerals for deceased veterans.

“This bill would provide proper honor services to our Veterans at their funerals,” said Hall.  “Our Veterans gave so much to ensure that our freedoms and way of life is protected, and to discontinue this honor because of budgetary shortfalls is both foolish and shameful.  The honor of having the rifle salute and the bugler playing taps is something that we should not take away from our Veterans and their families.”

Due to recent budget cuts, the Honor Guard account contains funding to provide full funeral services through April or possibly May.  Thereafter, each veteran will still continue to receive the federally mandated honors – the presentation of the flag and the playing of “Taps”, but the State Veterans’ Affairs Department may not be able to provide two additional service members.  H.B. 7181 mandates that the funding be restored in order to provide these additional service members at such funerals.

H.B. 7181 has received a joint favorable report by the Veterans’ Affairs Committee awaits further action by the legislature.

To stay updated on H.B. 7181, or any other proposed legislation, please contact Rep. Hall at Carol.Hall@cga.ct.gov or call (860) 240-8700.