Rep. Yaccarino Honors Charles Morrissey

During a ceremony at the State Legislative Office Building Wednesday afternoon North Haven resident Charles Morrissey Sr. joined eleven other state residents and was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

State Representative Dave Yaccarino, a member of the Select Committee on Veterans Affairs and a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves, was on hand to congratulate Morrissey and applaud his service.

“This is a fitting honor for a man with the character, commitment and dedication Charles displays for both his country and our community,” Rep. Yaccarino said.  “His military service was just the start of a career in public service helping others as a teacher, volunteer and member of the American legion.”

Morrissey, of North Haven, served as a 1st and 2nd Lieutenant in the Army while stationed in Ohio, then joined U.S. Army active reserve in New Haven. He achieved the rank of Captain and was active until 1976, when he accepted a position as a public elementary school teacher, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the state Military Dept. 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard from 1995 until 2007 when he retired as a Major.  He is also a member of the American Legion.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established to increase the awareness of the lifetime contributions of veterans after completion of honorable military service. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is not a military hall of fame. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who honorably served their country through military service and who continue to serve and inspire their fellow man with their deeds and accomplishments throughout their lifetime.

Each year the committee selects at least 10 inductees from applications received from across the state and nation. These veterans have been leaders in a variety of areas, such as arts, education, public service, volunteer activities, and community and business leadership to name a few. Most importantly, they all have made significant impacts on the lives of others and their communities.  To be eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame the nominee must have served their country honorably in a branch of military service and continued to serve their communities, state and nation after discharge.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is administered and sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department on behalf of the Office of the Governor.