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Bysiewicz dedicates 2008 ‘Blue Book’ to Connecticut women who have served in Congress
By Secretary of the State's Office
Sep 15, 2008 - 5:22 PM

Secretary of the State Also Honors Members of the Military from Connecticut who Gave Their Lives in 2008 During Annual Dedication of State Register and Manual

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz today paid tribute to 6 women from Connecticut who served in the United States Congress by dedicating the 2008 State Register and Manual to them at a state capitol ceremony in the Old Judiciary Room. The six honorees include Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) and former U.S. Reps Nancy Lee Johnson (CT-5) and Barbara Bailey Kennelly (CT-1). Three other honorees, including former Governor Ella Grasso, and former U.S. Representatives Clare Boothe Luce and Chase Going Woodhouse were recognized posthumously.

“At a time when women are reaching new heights in elective office, these outstanding women are the heroes that have blazed that trail,” said Secretary Bysiewicz, “These outstanding women not only served in the United States House of Representatives but also distinguished themselves as mothers and successful career women. Through their dedication to public service and the struggle for equal rights for all, they have left an indelible mark in the history of our state and our country. They are my heroes.”

The Office of the Secretary of the State publishes the State Register and Manual every year, which is also referred to as the “Blue Book.” This book contains the state constitution, all of the general statutes, and is essentially an encyclopedia of demographic and political information on elections in Connecticut and all 169 municipalities. 2008 is the 121st year that the Secretary of the State’s office has published the Blue Book. Each year this official register and guide serves as a valuable reference for everyday citizens, along with lawmakers, reporters, historians, teachers and students.

In 2008 Secretary Bysiewicz’s office has published more than 9,000 of these books and many will be distributed to schools, municipalities, and libraries across the state, as well as lawmakers, government officials and private citizens. Far beyond containing the interesting and trivial, the Blue Book serves an official snap shot of Connecticut.

“Among other things, the Blue Books will inform people when their local taxes are due and help residents learn about the state they live in. For instance, it contains historical information such as the oldest town in Connecticut is – Windsor (settled in 1633 and named Windsor 4 years later),” said Bysiewicz, “The Blue Book also tells us that 1,570,161 Connecticut residents cast ballots in the 2004 presidential election – a number we are definitely going to top this year!”

Secretary Bysiewicz also dedicated the Blue Book to three members of the military who gave their lives in the line of duty between June 2007 and April 2008. Those honorees awarded the distinction posthumously for 2008 are: Army Private 1st Class Andre Craig Jr. of New Haven; Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Jason D. Lewis, a native of Brookfield; and Army Sergeant Jason Lantieri of Killingworth. All three were killed in the line of duty in Iraq.

Accepting the Blue Books on behalf of the families of the fallen troops with Connecticut ties was Colonel Ron Welch of the Connecticut National Guard. Each soldier’s family will receive a complimentary copy of the book signed by Secretary Bysiewicz.

Moments before holding a moment of silence at today’s dedication ceremony for the fallen members of the military, Secretary Bysiewicz said of their families, “It is my hope that this book serves as some comfort to them that Connecticut honors the sacrifice they have made for our freedom. Their service will never be forgotten.”

In recent years, the State Register and Manual has been dedicated to pioneers of scientific research in Connecticut, civil rights leaders Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and Constance Baker Motley, writers Harriet Beecher Stowe and Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), members of the military from Connecticut, victims of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, former Congressman and explorer Hiram Bingham IV, and many others.

For more information about the Blue Book and to order a copy, visit the Secretary of the State’s web site www.sots.ct.gov or call 860-509-6200.

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