The days leading up to Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day itself and those following will feature veterans-oriented celebrations and programming. In addition, Veterans Strong Community Center has begun accepting applications for its Bristol Veterans Memorial Banner Program.
On Friday, Nov. 8, schools across Bristol opened their doors to veterans. Among the schools, Southside welcomed veterans, including World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor Joe Caminiti and Vietnam veteran John Lodovico. Immanuel Lutheran welcomed members of the Korean Veterans Association.
For the month of November, Veterans Strong Community Center is the beneficiary of Stop & Shop, Farmington Avenue, Community Bag program, with $1 from each purchase of a reusable grocery bag going to the organization.
At the same time, Veterans Strong is promoting its Bristol Veterans Memorial Banner Program through the holiday gift giving season. The banners recognize veterans of U.S. Armed Force who have been honorably discharged from service, living and deceased. Banners at $120 include the name of a Bristol veteran, rank, branch of service, era of service and a photo.
The banners, 24 inches by 36 inches, are displayed on lampposts on Memorial Boulevard from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. There are 30 space available for display. Banners may be displayed for a second year with a $60 donation, depending on space, or returned to owners.
Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, contact program coordinator Amy Wernicki at (840)584-6257 or email info@vetstronginc.org.
Schedule of events and programs
On Saturday, Nov. 9, several programs honoring veterans will be held.
At 10 a.m., the Veterans Appreciation Coffee Social will be held at F. N. Manross Library in Forestville. Veterans and their guest are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Veterans Resource Fair will be held at American Legion Post 22, 211 Elm St., in Thomaston.
At 1 p.m., World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor Joe Caminiti will participate in an event sponsored by Funk’s Funeral Home. The World War II Legacy Foundation will be on hand with its moving museum exhibit.
Funk’s has been participating in the Sweaters for Veterans program since Oct. 15. The collection will continue through Nov. 15 Sweaters may be dropped off at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m., the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 will hold its Veterans Day Luminary on Hooker Ct.
At 6 p.m., the Bristol Elks Lodge 1010 will hold its Veteran’s Thanksgiving Dinner, cost $10, with Lodge veterans free.
In Southington, on Sunday, Nov. 10, the Elk’s Veterans Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., cost $10 a person, veterans free.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, there will be a World War II Museum open house for the 249th founding of the Marine Corps at 102 Pitkin St., in East Hartford, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the World War II Legacy Foundation, which is raising funds for Connecticut’s World War II Museum, Research and Education Center.
Also, on Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m., the Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble will hold a free concert, “Salute to Veterans,” at the Rockwell Theater on Memorial Boulevard.
From 1 to 4 p.m. a “Music Bingo” will be held at 15 N. Liberty St., in Southington, with 15 percent of the proceeds going to Veterans Strong Community Center. Call (860)426-1020 to reserve a spot.
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in New Britain on Ella Grasso Blvd., a Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at the National Iwo Jima Memorial.
Also, on Veterans Day in Bristol, at 11 a.m., the Bristol Veterans Council will hold its Veterans Day Ceremony at the Rockwell Theater on Memorial Boulevard. At Quinlan Park a Forestville Veterans Day Ceremony will also be held.
On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, CTtransit is providing free transportation all-day on buses throughout the state for veterans. More information is available at www.cttransit.com and at #VETSRIDEFREECT.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, a Veterans Day breakfast, sponsored by the West End Association, will be held at Jimmy’s on the River from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Anyone veteran interested should sign up with Veterans Strong Community Center.
On Thanksgiving Day, a Thanksgiving Meal for Veterans (and up to three family members will be hosted by the Calvanese Family at the Aqua Turf in Southington. RSVP by Nov. 20 to Cathy at (475)689-0219.
Also on Thanksgiving Day, American Legion Post 2 will offer Thanksgiving Day meals for a veteran and/or spouse of a veteran for free.
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