Vietnam vets to be welcomed home in Cromwell — 37 years after the end of the war

Published: Tuesday, February 07, 2012; Last Updated: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 2:06 AM EST

By JEFF MILL
Press Staff

CROMWELL – It’s the ceremony they never had, and the thanks they never received.

Cromwell will officially welcome home its Vietnam veterans with a ceremony March 30, the 37th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The town’s newly formed veterans’ Affairs Committee will host the ceremony on Friday the 30th, in the Town Hall gymnasium. Committee Chairwoman Cecile Fazio said the event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The program will include welcoming remarks by First Selectman Mertie Terry and a wreath-laying at the Vietnam Memorial in the entrance to atrium at town hall.

The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle club made up of veterans, has committed to attending the ceremony and mounting a flag line, Fazio said Thursday evening, following a committee meeting.

Once the more formal part of the ceremony has concluded, Fazio said the intention is for veterans and their families to mix and mingle with one another and with townspeople in the gymnasium while enjoying a buffet.

Fellow committee member Cathy Hodlin said the committee will provide music from the Vietnam era, as well as a photo-montage of people and events from the 1960’s and ‘70’s.

In 2010, then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed legislation establishing March 30 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in the state. This is the first time Cromwell has marked the day.

In all, some 80,000 Connecticut residents served in Vietnam; 612 of them were killed in action, including Marine L/Cpl. Thomas W. Fritsch of Cromwell.

While the event is scheduled to specifically honor Vietnam veterans, Fazio said all Cromwell veterans and indeed all Cromwell residents are welcome and are urged to attend the event.

“We want as many townspeople as can to come out to say ‘Thank You’ to our Vietnam veterans for their service,” Fazio said.

There will be a register at the event for Vietnam veterans to sign. Hodlin said the committee hopes that the register will yield a more accurate count of who the Vietnam veterans in town are.

Hodlin said any individuals, local businesses and/or civil groups who want to help out in putting on the event should call the first selectman’s office at (860) 632-3410.

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2012/02/07/news/doc4f307b58116bd218534977.txt

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans

The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs  to host a much deserved Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Governor William A. O’Neill Armory in Hartford, CT. It will be an evening of USO entertainment, music, and dramatic readings from the letters or diaries of our Vietnam Veterans.

The event will begin at 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30).

Food will be provided, as well as a cash bar.

If you are a Vietnam era veteran, this celebration and opportunity to catch up with old friends is for you.

Civilians who want to honor and thank our Vietnam veterans are also invited.

Advertising space in the program booklet may be purchased by any interested businesses or persons wishing to thank Vietnam veterans, with prices available HERE. Those interested may contact Tammy Marzik of the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs at:   tammy.marzik@po.state.ct.us

The “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” – CT committee will be hosting their event on May 19, 2012 at the Memorial Park in Shelton this year.  All the details on the event are on our web site at:

www.ctwhvvd.com

There is a rain date this year for the May 20, 2012.

Stay Tuned For More Details To Follow…

ATTENION:  8:00 – breakfast prior to the mission in Ansonia.  $5.00 donation – reserved table for PGR

OLD SAYBROOK FIRE DEPARTMENT JUNIOR DIVISION

SUNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
(featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, coffee, tea, and juice)

March 4

TIME:  8 AM – 12 Noon

$5.00 per person

Old Saybrook Fire Department
310 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT

www.oldsaybrookfire.com

6th Annual Season Kickoff Bike Blessing 

APRIL 22, 2012

11:30 AM – 4: 00 PM

Gates open at 11:00 AM

New London Motorcycle Club

6th Annual Season Kickoff Bike Blessing

Connecticut Patriot Guard will participate with vendor/information table

Connecticut Honor and Remember  has the honor of presenting a Personalized Honor and Remember Flag to the family of LCPL Lawrence R. Philippon, USMC (http://tinyurl.com/Phillippon)

Presentation will be made at:

7th Annual LCPL Lawrence R. Philippon Memorial Dance
VFW Post 9929
West Hartford, CT

This is not an official Patriot Guard of CT event, members are free to attend this presentation on their own.

Feb 26, 2012 Meet & Greet Fundraising Event

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SQUADRON 196

PANCAKE BREAKFAST BY THE BEACH
25 Merwin Ave
Milford, CT

Sunday February 26, 2012

TIME: 9 AM – 12 Noon

Adults:  $6.00 per person
Under 16 years old:  $3.00 per person

All funds raised will go to the fundraising effort for
The Veterans Monument Plaque in the Parsons Building in Milford, CT

Any Questions contact:  Ken Lamb:  203-927-9279419
American Legion Post:  203-874-5528

This is not  Connecticut Patriot Guard is official event.  This is an opportunity for a Meet & Greet that is also a worthwhile fund raiser in support of the military/veteran community.