Community Corner

Trumbull Delegation Requests Tribute for Fallen Soldier

State legislators are asking the town to plant a tree in memory of PV2 Cheyenne Seymour.

State Reps. Tony Hwang (R-134), David Rutigliano (R-123) and Lawrence Miller (R-122) and State Sen. Anthony Musto (D-22) along with the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation have asked the Town of Trumbull the honor a fallen Trumbull soldier.

The legislators are requesting the town of Trumbull plant a tree in honor of Army Private Cheyenne Seymour, 18, a town resident who graduated from Trumbull High School and was killed in a car accident in Tennessee.

The tree would be at no cost to the town of Trumbull.

Seymour was a supply clerk of the 102nd Quartermaster Petroleum Supply Company stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Seymour was one of four Trumbull High graduates singled out during 2004 commencement ceremonies by Principal Gary Cialfi for joining the armed services.

The Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation was born on July 15, 2005 at Seaside Park after Seymour’s death in a car crash in Tennessee on June 26, 2005.

A memorial tribute is held every summer at either Seaside Park in Bridgeport or Indian Ledge Park in Trumbull for the honorees and their families in remembrance of their Fallen Heroes.

“The CT Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc., is asking for your help to realize a well-deserved tribute to a courageous young woman who lost her life after making a commitment to serve and protect our country,” Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation founder Mike Mastroni said in a letter to the legislative delegation. “We need to recognize her and show her family that we will always be grateful of her service.”

The Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation is a state volunteer organization dedicated to “Always Remembering” the brave Military Service Members from Connecticut who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for our freedom.

"I want to acknowledge and thank the remarkable volunteers of The CT Fallen Heroes Foundation, who work tirelessly to recognize CT soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country,” said Rep. Hwang. “It is my hope that this long overdue symbolic gesture to honor Army Private Cheyenne Seymour will occur. It will also be a lasting memorial for her family. This tree planting will serve as a constant reminder to our community to honor and respect the services of our military veterans. We must always remember that freedom is not free.”
 
“Planting a tree in our town park will honor and preserve the memory of the sacrifice of one of our neighbors,” Sen. Musto said. “It is a fitting tribute to someone who served the community and the country — something that will continue to grow and beautify our town for years to come.  I want to thank the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation for bringing us this issue and for their continued work on behalf of all of Connecticut's service men and women who have died protecting us.”

"This small and simple gesture of renewal by making this planting at springtime is a way to remember a wonderful young woman who gave selflessly to her country, and was taken from us tragically and abruptly before her life had really begun," said Rep. Miller. "Her family and loved ones should know that she will remain in the hearts of the Trumbull community, and I hope this gesture will help that memory and legacy endure."

Seymour was to be married the following Saturday but instead that day became her funeral at Arlington. The annual softball game's MVP trophy bears her name and is given out at the end of the game by her mother Mary Jane.

“It is always tragic when we lose any member of our armed forces, and having this one hit so close to home makes the loss much greater for us here in Trumbull,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “My deepest sympathy goes out to Ms. Seymour’s family and fiancé under these most unfortunate circumstances. We should honor the family’s request."

Based off a release from the House Republicans Office.


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