Clinton Veteran Escalera Honored

Sen. Art Linares (left) on Nov. 1 honored Miguel A. Escalera, Sr., of Clinton (far right), who has been named to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service. Escalera was joined at the event by his son Miguel Jr. (center).

Escalera is a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. While serving in the North African, Central European and Rhine campaigns, Escalera was the highest decorated soldier in his company and is credited with heroically saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. For more than 50 years he has provided countless volunteer services to the elderly community in Clinton, and he served as the Municipal Agent for the Elderly for more than 30 years. Escalera was the principal architect of Clinton’s Meals on Wheels program, and has served on the town’s Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day Committee since 1957.

Escalera is one of ten men inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2013. The induction ceremony was held in the Atrium of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Sen. Linares presented Escalera with an official state citation, which was co-signed by Rep. Tom Vicino. The state citation reads, in part, “You have earned this most deserved recognition for your honorable military service and for your outstanding service to our community and state.”