May 28, 2004

CANDELARIA WELCOMES FUNDING FOR NEW HAVEN MEMORIAL

State Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) Friday, welcomed $47,360 in State funding for the Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry Monument Fund. The grant will assist in costs associated with construction of the monument in New Haven.

The funding will help cover costs for the monument stone and site preparation including a limestone post and chain link fence for the monument.

"The brave soldiers of the 29th infantry paid a great cost for our country. Their heroism should never be forgotten, it is a part of the diverse tapestry of America’s heritage and history," Rep. Candelaria said. "This monument will help to commemorate not only the memory of these brave men, but their message of freedom and honor for our young people and future generations."

State Rep. Candelaria has been working diligently with his colleagues at Hartford, legislative leadership and the governor’s office to get funding for the memorial. He has also worked closely with the Descendants of the Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry, a not-for-profit historical organization founded to promote cultural awareness of African American, Native American and Caucasian officers who served under the Union, throughout Connecticut in the Civil War.

"The Descendants of the Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry wish to extend our thanks to State Representative Juan Candelaria for the work he has done to honor the men of color from the state of Connecticut who fought so valiantly in the Civil War. Words are not enough to express the gratitude we feel for the support & for the funding of this monument," said Emmanuel Gomez, President of the Descendants of the Connecticut 29th C.V. Infantry.

Rep. Candelaria is a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Commerce Committee. He serves the 95th General Assembly District.