George Washington said it best: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

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Republican State Senator Len Fasano represents the 34th District, including the towns of North Haven, East Haven and Wallingford.

For almost 20 years, Vietnam War veteran and retired town teacher Steven Wronski has invited local veterans to a yearly Montowese Elementary School event where they retell firsthand stories with students.

“It’s all about living history,” Wronski said at the Nov. 14, 2011 function.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Vietnam War veteran John Gilcrist shows Montowese third-graders a plaque he got from the war.

Today, as many people solemnly remember, is Veterans Day.

We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

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Republican State Senator Len Fasano represents the 34th district including the towns of North Haven, East Haven and Wallingford.

Hanging in North Haven’s library, a patriotic quilt represents a local librarian’s enthusiasm for America’s veterans.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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The inscription above Rose Massari’s quilt.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Rose Massari’s quilt hangs in North Haven’s Library to honor American veterans everywhere.

Montowese Elementary School honored local veterans this week with a luncheon and opportunity to speak with the students about their experiences.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Luigi's Pizza donated pizza and bread for the veterans' luncheon, including this special pizza made up to look like the American flag.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Each veteran was given a handmade card made by first grade students at Clintonville Elementary School.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Veteran Walter Husnak demonstrates an authentic, inflatable World War II Air Force life vest.

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Citizen photo by Kyle Swartz

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Veterans visited Montowese School to share their experiences with students.

North Haven’s annual Memorial Day parade was once again a celebration of the town as well as a fitting tribute to the countless brave soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

Veterans are frequently recognized for their service by older generations, but it's more difficult to forge a bond with younger people who may not fully understand their significance.

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Citizen photo by André Ward

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Charles Theriault and Clifton Hartman enjoy a luncheon given in their honor at Montowese School this week. The veterans spent time in classrooms talking to students about their experiences.

One by one, North Haven's men and women who served in World War II stepped up to receive an honor for what most felt was simply their duty, but which was in fact an act of heroism. That humble spirit characterizes their entire generation, a group of people who literally changed the course of the world through their service.

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Citizen photo by Pamela Morello

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Irving Schlesinger, center, stands with Sen. Len Fasano, First Selectman Janet McCarty, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and State Rep. Steve Fontana after receiving his Public Service Award for his service in World War II.