Richard Blumenthal's 2008 Stamford Advocate Quote: 'I Wore The Uniform In Vietnam'

Deep in the archives of Connecticut's Stamford Advocate newspaper is a quote that lends more credence to the theory that U.S. Senate candidate Richard Blumenthal allowed the myth that he served in Vietnam to be spread unchecked.

"I wore the uniform in Vietnam and many came back . . . to all kinds of disrespect," Blumenthal told the crowd at a 2008 Veteran's Day parade, according to the Advocate. "Whatever we think of war, we owe the men and women of the armed forces our unconditional support."

The Plum Line's Greg Sargent obtained a full copy of the Advocate article from Nov. 10, 2008.

After The New York Times ran a front-page story earlier this week on Blumenthal's past statements about his service during the Vietnam era, Blumenthal fought back against the allegations in a press conference on Wednesday.

"On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service and I regret that I take full responsibility," Blumenthal said. "But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country."

The Times reporting also came under fire as critics pointed out that the newspaper may not have provided additional context for Blumenthal's past statements on his service during the Vietnam war. The Times said it was standing by its reporting..

Here's a larger excerpt from the Stamford Advocate story from 2008:

After the hourlong procession, about 150 of the onlookers gathered in Veterans Park on Atlantic Street to listen to speeches by elected officials and event organizers.

After the band played the national anthem and Marines raised the American flag, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Stamford's parade was the best in the state.

"I wore the uniform in Vietnam and many came back . . . to all kinds of disrespect," Blumenthal told the crowd. "Whatever we think of war, we owe the men and women of the armed forces our unconditional support."