On Wednesday, the state held a military funeral for three U.S. Army veterans whose cremated remains were never claimed.

The day began in Rocky Hill at the State Department of Veteran Affairs.

A procession with police and three hearses, carrying each veteran’s remains, traveled to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.

“We never leave anyone behind, and it’s a really an honor and privilege to do this today,” said U.S. Army (Ret.) Ron Welch, Commissioner of the CT Department of Veteran Affairs.

Elected officials, city leaders, and community members came together to honor PFC Mario Nelle DeVito, SPC James Dickenson, and SPC Richard Thurston.

Devito and Dickenson served during World War II and Thurston served during Vietnam War. All were no older than 23 when they joined the Army.

“I got to tell you, it’s really a brotherhood. That’s why I always come each year,” said U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Peter Galgano Jr., of Berlin.

Wednesday marked the 10th ceremony hosted by the CT State Department of Veterans affairs and the CT Funeral Directors’ Association.  

“Together, we developed a statewide protocol, the first of its kind in the nation, to determine whether there are cremated remained of American veterans still housed in our funeral homes,” said Lionel Lessard, President of the CT Funeral Directors’ Association.  

The protocol, created in 2009, states that Connecticut funeral directors must confirm if the person was a veteran and contact their next of kin. If they can’t locate the family, they go through the process of providing the vet with a military funeral. 

“Even though we didn’t know these unclaimed remains, they still signed that piece of paper. So, we’re here to honor and pay tribute to them,” said Galgano.

Patch PM CT brings you breaking and trending news stories from all across Connecticut each weeknight. Here are the top stories from across the entire state:

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ENFIELD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Candidate’s Name: Robert Hendrickson

What office are you seeking? State Representative 58th District

District: 58th House District

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Graduated high school and attended Western New England College

Occupation: Small Business Operator – Food Delivery

Family: I’ve been married to Kathie for 15 years. We have a grown son and daughter, and our dog Bones..

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Currently, District 4 Town Councilor – Previously a commissioner on Wetlands & Watercourses Agency

Age: 59

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office to enact meaningful change in the lives of Enfield residents. Our community faces significant challenges, including high taxation and insufficient funding from the state. My primary goal is to reduce the tax burden on all citizens, including businesses and farmers, thereby fostering a more equitable financial environment. To achieve this, we must prioritize prudent management of our revenue and become better stewards of taxpayers’ money. By advocating for a reduction in the state income tax, we can enable residents to retain more of their hard-earned income, allowing them to invest in their own priorities rather than entrusting their funds to government oversight. This approach not only enhances individual financial freedom but also stimulates local economic growth, ultimately benefiting the entire community and state. I believe that empowering individuals and families will lead to a more vibrant and resilient Enfield.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The number 1 issue facing my constituents is the burden of excessive taxation, and this is what I intend to do about it. My plan begins with a targeted reduction of the state income tax by at least half a percent each year. This gradual approach will provide immediate relief to families and businesses while ensuring sustainable revenue for essential services. I will also advocate for the maintenance of the fiscal guardrails established in 2017, which have played a crucial role in stabilizing our budget. The political landscape, with a narrow Democratic majority in the House and a tied Senate, had demonstrated that bipartisan cooperation can effectively address our financial challenges, including the alarming $7.7 billion pension debt, the highest in the nation. Furthermore, attempts to dismantle these guardrails only threaten our fiscal responsibility and could lead to further tax increases. The recent budget surplus clearly indicates that Connecticut is overtaxing its residents. To combat this, we need balanced legislation that prioritizes the interests of the people, ensuring that we keep our taxes low while promoting economic growth and stability in our community. Electing representatives committed to these principles is essential for fostering a fairer and more prosperous future for all Enfield residents.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut’s roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

• Stricter Penalties: Advocating for harsher penalties for speeding and DUI offenses can serve as a deterrent. This might include mandatory minimum sentences or increased fines for repeat offenders. • Enhanced Licensing Requirements: Reforming the process for obtaining a driver’s license to include more rigorous testing on road rules and signs, as well as practical driving assessments, could ensure that all drivers possess essential knowledge and skills.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major differences between me and the other candidate seeking this post revolve around my commitment to reducing taxes and prioritizing fiscal responsibility. I firmly believe that Hartford—and politicians in general—should not be in the business of investing taxpayer money. Instead, we should empower small businesses and residents by lowering their tax burdens, enabling them to reinvest in their communities and the state. While the other candidate may advocate for increasing taxes under the guise of bringing more funding to Enfield, I contend that this approach is fundamentally flawed. It’s essential to recognize that taking less from residents initially leads to greater overall benefits for the community. My focus is on prudent budget management and ensuring that the hard-earned money of constituents remains in their pockets, allowing them to drive economic growth and enhance their quality of life. Ultimately, my vision prioritizes empowering individuals and businesses over expanding government control, setting me apart from my opponent who may seek to increase taxes as a means of addressing our challenges.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a small business operator, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that the average person faces, particularly regarding taxation and regulation. This unique perspective equips me to address the concerns of my constituents effectively. Additionally, my 40 years of experience managing a major grocery store has provided me with a solid foundation in budget management and public service. I understand the importance of balancing a budget while prioritizing customer satisfaction, which translates directly to being a responsible steward of taxpayer money. These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and advocate for practical solutions that benefit our community. My focus on effective management rather than overtaxing is rooted in my professional background, making me well-suited to handle the responsibilities of this office.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that my primary focus is on putting Enfield first. I believe in representing the interests of our community above all else. My commitment to reducing taxes, managing budgets responsibly, and supporting local families and businesses reflects my dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents. I encourage everyone to consider the importance of strong, local representation that prioritizes our community’s needs. Please vote for me on November 5th to be your next state representative for the 58th district. Together, we can create a brighter future for Enfield!