The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Free pass to the fair for service members
Military Appreciation Day at Durham Fair offers service members free entrance on Sept. 24.
DURHAM » The Durham Fair will celebrate U.S. military service members, past and present, during its first Military Appreciation Day Sept. 24.
All U.S. active-duty military members and U.S. military vets will receive free admission to the fair that day, in sponsorship with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.
The Durham Fair runs Sept. 21 to 24 at the Durham Fairgrounds on Maple Avenue.
Activities include a USO Show Troupe on main stage at 1 p.m. Sunday, according to a press release.
“This talented troupe is sure to please a variety of musical tastes ranging from today’s top 40 to Broadway, Big Band, and even some patriotic performance pieces to honor the occasion,” Wendy Manemeit, entertainment coordinator for the fair, said in a prepared statement. “Come and join us in saying thank you and wear your stars and stripes to show your support.”
Outreach specialists with the New Haven Vet Center and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will provide information on national and state veteran resources, including the opportunity to sign up for VA health care or file for a federal service-connected disability claim, the release continues.
A veteran outreach area will also include a VA Mobile Vet Center, and VA officials will be on hand to explain services such as counseling for post-traumatic stress, bereavement, marriage and family counseling and other veteran benefits.
A U.S. military ID, VA ID or other valid proof of veteran identification is required for free admission. Other acceptable forms of ID are a copy of a DD214, or proof of membership to a veterans service organization.