Stonington — Fifty-four veterans whose service ranged from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan were honored Thursday afternoon with Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service medals. 

Sean Connolly, the commissioner of the state Department of Veterans Affairs and State Senator Andrew Maynard, D-18th District, presented each of the veterans with their medals and took photos with them during a ceremony at the Pawcatuck VFW.

Since 2005, state senators have hosted similar events across Connecticut. One was held in the packed cafeteria in the Stonington High School commons shortly after the program began.

After the presentation of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem by Stonington High School students Victoria Johnson and Sarah McMillian, Maynard thanked the veterans sitting in front of him for the service.

Connolly said that one of the greatest benefits of his job since he became commissioner nine months ago was “to get out to beautiful communities like this and meet some of the 200,000 veterans who live in our state.”

He said the state has a long tradition of honoring its veterans that date back to 1864 when Connecticut became the first state to open a veterans home.

“We’re continuing that tradition today by honoring you with these medals,” he said.

After pointing out this year is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Connolly asked if there were any World War II veterans in the crowd. Three raised their hands and the crowded applauded.

“That you for your service and honoring us with your presence today,” he said.

There were six veterans of the Korean war, a larger number of Vietnam veterans and other who served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most were Navy veterans.

Living in what he called a time filled with political debate and disagreement, and tragedies such as the mass shootings in Paris and California on Wednesday, Connolly said people sometimes forget they live in the longest surviving constitutional democracy in history.

“And it is the sacrifices of men and women in the military that has made that possible,” he said.

One of those receiving a medal was Stonington resident Jonathan Nickerson, who graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1984 and went on to serve 23 years.

“I thought this was awesome to honor our local veterans,” he aid.

Borough Warden Jeff Callahan, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, said that while he feels uncomfortable when someone thanks him for his service, Thursday’s event was nice gesture to recognize people for what the did.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas