5 Ways To Observe Veterans Day In Simsbury

SIMSBURY, CT — Veterans Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with several opportunities around Simsbury to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace.

Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to reflect the signing of the armistice ending World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

The observance was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Here are some upcoming Veterans Day events you shouldn’t miss:

• Simsbury Events: Members of the Simsbury Veterans Day Planning Committee (The Felix Del Greco Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1926 and American Legion Tomalonis Hall Post 84) will host the annual ceremony at the Simsbury Veterans Memorial beginning at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov 11.

The Memorial is located at the driveway entrance to the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10). The Eno Hall auditorium will serve as an inclement-weather alternate location.

All military veterans, their families, and the public are warmly invited to attend.

There will be seating for the audience on Eaglewood Drive adjacent to the Simsbury Veterans Memorial.

The keynote speaker will be John Fox, Commander of VFW Post 1926, who served four years in the U.S. Navy, mainly in Vietnam.

Simsbury Poppy Drive: In addition, VFW Post 1926 will be conducting its Poppy Drive in front of Fitzgerald’s on Nov. 8-10 for its Veterans’ Relief Fund to assist veterans in need.

Simsbury Clothing Drive For Veterans: Also, from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11, the post will be holding its clothing drive for new clothing (with tags
attached) as holiday presents for veterans in the CT veteran assisted living facility in Rocky Hill.

Drop-off boxes will be located at St Mary’s Church, St. Catherine of Siena Church, and Eno Hall.

• The Mohegan Sun is hosting its 11th annual Vets Rock, a heartfelt tribute to our nation’s heroes — active-duty military and veterans — who inspire us with their courage and commitment. It takes place at the casino, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Connecticut Veterans Affairs and the Middletown Council of Veterans to host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown.

• Connecticut will host the 10th Annual CT Veterans Day Race in Coventry on Nov. 8, featuring a 4-mile run, 3-mile walk, and 3-mile ruck.

• Vets Are Free At the New England Air Museum near Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. It is offering free admission for veterans and active military members on Veterans Day.

• For other Veterans Day events throughout Connecticut, click on this link.

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