WATERBURY--One Waterbury kindergartner got a patriotic surprise on the eve of Veterans Day.
C.J. Gallagher was stunned when his aunt, New York National Guard Sergeant Shannon Torgersen, arrived at Bunker Hill School after returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. The 4-year-old hugged and clung to her as she received applause from students, teachers and Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary.
"I'm just happy to be home and have my niece and nephew. They're my babies,” Torgersen said.
After the emotional embrace, Torgersen read a book to the children on the story of the Statue of Liberty. Then, the kindergartners thanked her with red carnations.