A ceremony was held at the state capitol Thursday to memorialize the 65 Connecticut troops killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since the 2001 terrorist attacks.  The Wall of Honor is a permanent memorial that includes photos of each of the service members. 

Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Tom Saadi, a Major in the Army Reserves from Danbury, says the men and women were from each branch of the military and ranged in rank from Private to Lt. Colonel.  

Some were not even into their 20s, while others were in their 50’s when they passed. They came from all walks of life, ethnic and racial backgrounds and religions.

They include several from the Greater Danbury area: 19-year old  Nicholas Madaras of Wilton, 21-year old John Schmidt III of Brookfield, 23-year old Kevin Dempsey of Monroe, 30-year old Jason Dale Lewis of Brookfield, 22-year old TJ Lobraico Jr. of New Fairfield and 24-year old Nathan Bruckenthal of Ridgefield.