[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING GAETANO ``TOM'' MAZZARELLA

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
life of Gaetano ``Tom'' Mazzarella, an admired Connecticut constituent 
and Norwich resident, military hero, and beloved member of our veterans 
community.
  I had the privilege and honor of knowing Tom, who truly was 
extraordinary in dedication to country, drive to service, and 
passionate loyalty to his fellow veterans. He was rich in personality 
and so warm and generous to me that I feel the loss almost as a family 
member.
  The Nation will be forever indebted to Tom for his military service 
as a U.S. Marine and a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard. 
For extraordinary bravery and sacrifice in the Pacific Theater during 
World War II, he was decorated with the Silver Star and Purple Heart. 
He also served courageously in the Korean war. But these honors 
reflected only part of the significance of his service.
  The city of Norwich will never forget Tom's good-spirited dedication 
to community, gracious sense of humor, and engaging smile. He worked 
part-time at both the Norwich Ice Rink and the Norwich Golf Course. He 
also gave years of devoted, hard work to Electric Boat.
  Throughout his lifetime, his service to his country never ebbed or 
ended. Dressed in his Marine Corps dress blues, he inspired current 
military members, veterans, and citizens of Connecticut as a 
representative of ``the greatest generation.'' He and his brothers 
would visit local groups, telling stories and sharing memories that 
displayed their genuine pride of their military service for a country 
that they loved deeply. He was an eloquent, moving speaker, who 
instilled national loyalty, civic duty, and the importance of public 
service at many parades, military ceremonies, and veterans 
organizations with memories of American bravery and sacrifice.
  Through my moving conversations with Tom--most recently at the ribbon 
cutting for Jewett City, Connecticut's housing for homeless veterans--I 
came to know why he was a hero to so many. He inspired all to aspire to 
a life of valor and patriotism and to understand the true importance of 
working for the greater good.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Tom--a national hero and a 
hero for all who adored and knew him in daily life. He will live on 
through the love of country, strength, friendship, and comradeship that 
he instilled, and continues to instill to this day on the floor of the 
Senate.

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