April 15, 2015

Bristol Legislators Support Veterans Rally, Condemn Honor Guard Cuts

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HARTFORD – The Bristol delegation joined fellow legislators and veterans organizations from across the state on Wednesday at the State Capitol to rally in support of funding for the Connecticut Honor Guard.

State funds are currently used to support some of the honor guard at funerals for Connecticut veterans. Those military honors include rifle teams which fire graveside salutes.

“We should not eliminate state funding for final honors for our vets,” Sen. Henri Martin (R-Bristol), who attended the rally and serves as ranking member of the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said. “We hope we can get this money restored. Democrats and Republicans are united in this effort, and we certainly will try our best on behalf of vets and their families.”

“We will vote ‘no’ if this cut stays in the budget,” said Rep. Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol) who sounded “Taps” during the rally. Rep. Nicastro serves as co-chair of the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“I feel very strongly that our government should respect and support the veterans who have fought on behalf of our country,” said Rep. Whit Betts (R-Bristol), who attended the rally. “I oppose the Governor’s proposal to eliminate funding for military honors and I absolutely will fight to have the state continue funding this vital program.”

Rep. Cara Pavalock (R-Bristol) has also pledged to oppose the elimination of funding for military funerals. “For the men and women who have served their country with dignity and honor, who have put their life on the line to defend our freedom, the very least we can do to show our gratitude is to continue to fund this program,” said Rep. Pavalock.

The Connecticut Honor Guard attends funerals in Connecticut for:

Any deceased person who has served in any of the armed forces of the United States during times of war.
Any deceased person who has served in the National Guard for more than 20 years.
Any deceased who has died while a member of the National Guard.