Simmons Presents Zydanowicz with 9/11 flag pin

By William Landers

April 29^th, 2010

New Hartford – At the Republican Town Committee meeting in the New Hartford town hall Thursday evening, during a meet the candidates event that showcased Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate, Governor, First Congressional District and Secretary of State, former Congressman Rob Simmons provided a special moment with fellow veteran and 1^st congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz at the end of the evening.

Simmons, approaching Mr. Zydanowicz with Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone, Ms. Simone said to Congressman Simmons as he shook his colleague’s hand, “a fellow veteran, Rob.” At this mention, Mr. Simmons said, “I know…” and he thanked Mr. Zydanowicz for his service. Asking Ms. Simone to hold his water, Simmons proceeded to remove his flag lapel pin which he wears religiously every day to all the events and speaking engagements he attends throughout the state. He asked Juliana to hold out her hand as he placed the two studs in her palm that hold the pin in place.

Then removing the pin, he turned to Mark Zydanowicz and ceremoniously placed it on the bare lapel of his jacket, telling Mark how special the pin was to him and how it was given to him in memory of all the Americans who died on 9/11. Congressman Simmons then stepped back and officially saluted Mr. Zydanowicz with a click of his heels, in a very moving and patriotic formal procedure to the lucky few who got to witness it.

Zydanowicz, a Captain in the National Guard who served two years in Iraq, visibly touched by the unexpected gesture, thanked Simmons and told him how much he appreciated the meaningful gift and assured him that he would wear it with pride.