Retired Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey R. DeWitt, U.S. Air Force, delivered a poignant lecture on his book, "Connecticut Military Heroes of the Battle of Iwo Jima," on Sunday.

The event coincided with the battle's 79th anniversary. DeWitt's illustrated slide presentation highlighted the battle's significance in winning the Pacific war and honored the 100 Connecticut residents who lost their lives.

DeWitt emphasized, "It's important to me because I served for 26 years, I went to a few in-theater memorial services for people in Iraq, and I always felt like I hope their name never gets forgotten. And I think their names should be widely known, especially with kids. It's important to never forget their contribution and the fact that they made the ultimate sacrifice."

Nationwide, communities are paying tribute to veterans through similar events.