Here’s where to mark Veterans Day in the Bridgeport area
Veterans Day is commemorated every Nov. 11, and was first observed in 1954. But its roots go back to World War I, when an armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918. There are many upcoming events in the Bridgeport area commemorating those who have served in war and peacetime.
Here are events happening throughout the area paying tribute to veterans.
Ansonia
Ansonia is hosting a Veterans Day event at John C. Mead Elementary School on Friday at 9 a.m. The city is paying tribute to the relatives of school staff and students who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces. The ceremony will start with a reception in the school cafeteria, followed by a school-wide ceremony in the school gym at 9:30 a.m.
There will also be an event at Veteran’s Park starting at 11 a.m., with various local, religious and veteran organization representatives in attendance. Mayor David Cassetti will issue a proclamation, followed by essays read by several students. The event will conclude with a benediction.
Bridgeport
The city will once again be the site of several events for Veterans Day including a flag raising at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, located at 4600 Park Ave., at 9 a.m. Another ceremony will be held at Colonel Mucci Memorial Plaza at 11 a.m., which is the exact time all combat was ordered to cease during World War I. City and state officials will be in attendance.
Federal, local and state officials are expected to attend. There will be a flag raising, a prayer and an award will be presented. The ceremony will conclude with the reading of the names of deceased veterans for 2021. The morning events are open to the public who are encouraged to attend.
Mayor Joe Ganim will also be at those events in addition to issuing a proclamation honoring veterans at 4 p.m. at Testo’s Restaurant, 1775 Madison Ave.
Fairfield
The town’s annual Veterans Day event will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Veterans Memorial Honor Wall, located at 611 Old Post Road. It’s hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Eunice Dennie Burr chapter. A light lunch will be served shortly after. The public is encouraged to attend.
Shelton
Shelton will have several events throughout the day. The first one begins at 10 a.m. Friday at the Veterans’ Memorial Park and hosted by the American Legion. Coffee and donuts will be served by a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It will be followed by a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the legion’s post located at 295 Old Bridgeport Ave. The chapter will also collect old and tattered flags so they can be disposed of properly.
Southport
There will be a dramatic performance highlighting the trauma that many veterans continue to endure as a result of their service. Entitled, “Mental Trauma: the Forgotten Cost of War,” the event will be hosted at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 6 p.m. in
Southport. The performance will consist of letter readings, tolling of bells, and a prayer for peace.
Stratford
The town’s VFW 9460 post will organize this year’s Veterans Day ceremony Friday, beginning at 11 a.m. at Academy Hill.
Trumbull
The Veterans of Foreign Wars will host several events on Friday. There will be a wreath laying at the Vietnam Memorial on White Plains Road at 7:30 a.m., followed by the annual Veterans Day salute at Trumbull High School with breakfast at 8 a.m. A wreath will also be laid at town hall at 10:15 a.m. A program honoring veterans will be held at Madison Middle School at 11 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend.
Westport
The Westport Veteran’s Council and the town will host Veterans Day services on Friday starting at 10:30 a.m. beginning with a performance called a “Patriotic Salute to All Veterans.” The event will be held at the Town Hall’s auditorium on 110 Myrtle Avenue. The event is public. Services will begin at 11 a.m. to commemorate the armistice.