Our Neighbors, Our Veterans—

Remembering Those Who Served In The Persian Gulf, All Wars

By Kendra Bobowick

“Emory Check, Dana Demand, Alan Denslow …”

Resident John Reed’s sturdy voice reached through the crowd of veterans, family members, and supporters as he read the honor roll recognizing names of Persian Gulf War servicemen and women who served the United States from 1990 to 1991. Alongside plaques from earlier wars is the new faceplate mounted on stone commemorating the Persian Gulf veterans, which was unveiled Tuesday, November 11, Veterans’ Day. The names now are a permanent part of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, unveiled Tuesday morning to a crowd gathered to honor the country’s servicemen and women.

Among those who spoke was Major General Robert E. Schmidle who, despite his many medals, and crisp military attire, gestured lightly with his white-gloved hands, and was quick to smile. He returned the day’s thanks and remembrance back to the community.

“What makes this country great is not so much the service, but towns like this…” he said. From these towns come people of strong character, he said. “They grow up and serve; the strength of us comes from you back here.”

Raising his right hand toward his brow, he concluded, “The best I can do is salute everyone of you.”

Before the major spoke, others shared their gratitude. Monsignor Robert Weiss of St Rose of Lima Church asked those gathered to remember those who put their lives on the line for the sake of freedom.

“We thank you for being a powerful example of an American.” Reciting the words of one soldier returned from battle, he quoted: “I sat and asked God to help me persevere; I asked for the power to overcome my enemy and I realized how much I needed my fellow soldiers … As a veteran I am truly blessed by my country and by God.”

First Selectman Joe Borst, a World War II veteran, offered a tribute during a separate interview.

“I am in love with this country and this town; I will do anything to help.” With a nod to the many people enrolled in the armed services, he said, “I favor doing anything we can for our veterans.” Regarding those who served in the Persian Gulf War, Mr Borst said, “We did what we had to.”

Also speaking was veteran and retiring State Representative Julia Wasserman, who read remarks from Governor M. Jodi Rell; representative-elect Christopher Lyddy, who will take Ms Wasserman’s place in Hartford, spoke on behalf of Congressman Chris Murphy; and Mike Hurley, who introduced the morning’s speakers.

Soon Richard Gottmeier and Emory Check unveiled the Persian Gulf War plaque, and Mr Hurley brought the ceremony to a close.

“Like a locomotive, this goes on. There will be more plaques, more memorials.”

As the crowd split into smaller groups, Maureen Will said, “I am proud of my cousins.” Her family members with names on the newest plaque are Letitia Renee Knapp and Robert D. Knapp. She also spoke of an uncle, an Army veteran.

Also noting the veterans in her family was Lorraine Hurley, who explained that one relative is still on active duty. Glancing around her she said, “You look at all these veterans; it’s a lot to think about.” Newtown is “very much” involved, she said.

The full list of 25 names on the new war memorial plaque also includes William Evans, Lawrence Fischer, Kenneth Godfrey, Richard Gottmeier, Stephan Hannah, Brian Hayward, Christopher Kieras, Robert E. Killing, Jr, John Klewicki, Brian Leavitt, Roberta Leedy, James Mead, David Schaedler, Paul Schmidle, Robert Schmidle, John Swart, Donald Sturges, Brian Wade, Darrick Waller, and Johnathan Wrinn.