Christine Cohen

State Senator

Christine Cohen

Deputy President Pro Tempore

Listening, Advocating & Getting Results

November 29, 2024

For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319

Sen. Cohen, Branford Leaders, Spotlight Essay Contest Winners on Veterans Day

Senator Cohen with Olivia Jacobson and Vito Colagiovanni

Earlier this month, State Senator Christine Cohen and local Branford leaders spotlighted two Walsh students at the Branford Veterans Day Ceremony. Senator Cohen holds an annual Veterans Day Essay Contest, where 5th grade students at Francis Walsh Elementary School are encouraged to write an essay reflecting on the sacrifices of our veterans, and contemplating the best ways to honor their service.

The winner of the 2024 Essay Contest was Olivia Jacobson in Mrs. Axtell’s class. The runner-up was Vito Richerad Colagiovanni from Mrs. Boyle’s class.

“To all of the veterans, we honor your sacrifice, your commitment and your courage as you worked to shape our nation and protect our democracy. Thank you and thank you for sharing your stories – those of deployment and sacrifice, as well as those of camaraderie and celebration,” said State Senator Christine Cohen. “While they aren’t always easy to tell, these are legacies and learning experiences for future generations and teach them why Veteran’s Day is so important. I am proud to continue the tradition of the annual Veterans Day Essay Contest, and encouraging our younger folks to reflect on and share their thoughts on Veterans Day really adds to the poignancy of this incredible event.”

“The Veterans Parade Committee is very grateful to Senator Cohen for continuing the ‘Veterans Day Essay Contest’. Anything that can be done to keep the contributions of all those that served will perpetuate the history and significance of military service,” said Branford Veterans Day Parade Committee Chairman John Fitzgerald.

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