combat wounded parking spaces
DANBURY -- As it was officially declared a "Purple
Heart City," Danbury set aside two special parking
spots at the War Memorial reserved just for veterans
who were wounded in combat.
Mayor Mark Boughton presented the Purple Heart City
proclamation at a dedication Sunday of the Combat
Wounded Parking Spaces at the Danbury War Memorial
at Rogers Park.
"It is my pleasure and honor to be here today, to be
able to thank and memorialize the contributions that
our veterans that have made throughout Danbury and
the United States," said Boughton.
John A. Kwiatkowski, state commander for the
military order, was presented with the proclamation
at the ceremony.
The drive to establish Danbury as a Purple Heart
City was spearheaded by local resident Lee Teicholz,
whose father, William, received two Purple Hearts
for wounds suffered in France and Germany during
World War II.
The ceremony opened with a welcome with Mary E.
Teicholz, and honor guards from Danbury Police Honor
Guard. The many veterans in the crowd raised their
hands and received a round of applause.
The invocation was done by Deacon Richard P. Kovacs
from St. Gregory The Great Roman Catholic Church.
"We're not at Mass, but at a blessing of the purple
heart parking spaces," Kovacs said.
"On the way down here from church, tears came to my
eyes knowing how the people in Danbury have
sacrificed and how we have dedicated these purple
heart parking spaces," he said. Kovacs also led a
short prayer thanking those in service and those who
couldn't attend who have received the Purple Heart.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Steven Johnston,
and Maggie Cortese sang the National Anthem.
A 3-Volley Salute was done by the Danbury Police
Honor Guard, while Ken Post from Danbury Council of
Veterans performed "Taps."
Speakers included Boughton, Kwiatkowski, Teicholz
and Ret. Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea.
The ceremony ended with a ribbon-cutting at the two
designated Purple Heart parking spots. Dan Hayes
from the War Memorial cut the ribbon with Teicholz.
Kwiatkowski, Zacchea and Boughton.
"The Purple Heart award is the oldest medal we have
in the military -- started by General Washington. He
recognized those who were wounded in battle and that
is how the award was founded," Boughton said.
www.combatwoundedparkingspaces.org