WATERBURY--"Hurry up and wait" is a mantra known to anyone who has served in the military. For a Brass City veteran, the waiting is over.
At a ceremony at Waterbury City Hall, Vic Allessio received medals he earned fighting in Vietnam more than four decades ago.
Allessio was drafted into the Army in 1968. He was in light artillery in the 101st Airborne Division. He says after his service, he didn't think much about the decorations he was due.
At a ceremony Wednesday in Veterans Hall, inside Waterbury City Hall, Rep. Elizabeth Esty joined friends, family and fellow veterans in honoring Allessio's service.
Esty presented Allessio with a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with a Silver Star.
"I am humbled, proud, thank you," said Allessio. "These medals are for everybody that serves, everybody that continues to serve. Whether they are standing guard, they are standing a post. They should be recognized, how could you not? We can't do enough for our veterans."