Honoring Service: State, town leaders celebrate veteran (Bristol Press)

“It was very regimental,” Bernier said. “I learned how to make a bed.”

Bernier, who was originally from Waterbury, would go on to become employed for a machine builder in Newington. He said he married a “nice Italian woman” and remains married 65 years later. He has five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His son in law attended the event with him.

Local and state leaders who attended the event, thanking Korean War veterans for their service, were Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Sen. Henri Martin, Rep. Rebecca Martinez, Town Manager Michael Paulhus and Town Council Vice Chair Rosemary Morante. Town Councilor Benjamin Gediman also attended but did not speak.

The program began with the posting of the colors by the Plainville Police Department Honor Guard. The Plainville High School choir sang The National Anthem.

Bysiewicz said it was a “great honor” to celebrate Bernier’s service. When she was formerly Secretary of State, from 2008 to 2010, she said that she met 15,000 World War II veterans during similar recognition ceremonies. Many of those she spoke to, she said, also served in the Korean War. She has since honored many Korean War Veterans for their service as well.

“I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to meet so many of these people,” she said. “Today there are only about 1,000 World War II veterans left in Connecticut. This is my 136th Korean War Veteran recognition ceremony.”

Bysiewicz said when Korean War veterans returned home, they didn’t get the same parades and welcomes that World War II veterans received. She said the Korean War is often thought of as a “forgotten war,” sandwiched between World War II and The Vietnam War, which received a lot more attention.

“That generation answered the call to serve when their country asked them,” she said. “They are very humble about their service. But it was not easy to serve in Korea. There was very harsh terrain and the winter of 1950 had prolonged days of snow and subzero temperatures. The military personnel were not equipped with the proper clothing or gear for that weather. American troops were also severely outnumbered. But they were tenacious and resilient. After the war, many of them continued to serve in their communities as mentors, community organizers, elected officials and volunteers.”

Bysiewicz said 36,940 Americans were killed in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. Of them, 326 were from Connecticut.

“Today we recognize their service to our country and our state,” she said.

Welch recalled he and his friends playing in the woods as children, pretending to be Korean War veterans. He said he had heard stories from his Uncle Bob about his service, which later inspired him to serve. Welch became a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger and served in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2006. He remarked that his uncle suffered from what is now known as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drank a lot as a result. He urged veterans to take advantage of the services and support that the state has to offer to help those who may be struggling.

Morante said it is a “true privilege” to thank veterans for their service. She is also a member of the Plainville Historical Society and said four local men died in the Korean War. She said that, in 2003, the Plainville Historic Center had an extensive exhibit dedicated to the Korean War. Much of that information remains at the Plainville Historical Society today.

Paulhus thanked Bysiewicz for her “tireless efforts” to recognize veterans. He also thanked the senior center for their efforts. He said Korean War veterans left a legacy of service.

“They defended freedom, supported our allies and shaped the world we live in today,” he said. “Today we acknowledge their sacrifice and courage to ensure that they are not forgotten. Thank you for your service.”

Martin also thanked Bysiewicz for her efforts to recognize veterans. He said he had five uncles who served in the Korean War – two in the Marines, two in the Canadian Air Force and one in the Army. His wife’s uncle served along with his brother. His wife’s uncle escorted his brother’s body home after he was killed in action.

“Connecticut has not forgotten you,” he said. “Your service lives on. Your service built this great nation into the country we have today. It is part of the fabric of our lives.”

Martin said each of the communities he represents has put their “heart and soul” into seeing that veterans receive recognition. He said their goal is to preserve their legacy for future generations.

Martinez said she feels it is “very important” state and local leaders have been recognizing Korean War veterans and all veterans. She said she was “truly honored” to be a part of the ceremony and agreed they were not thanked appropriately when they returned home.

“Saying thank you is not enough,” she said. “Plainville, our state and our country are proud of you. We can always do more. I invite you to talk to other veterans and communicate with us. Tell us about any resources you need. That is the least we can do.”