This week’s Thursday Preview spotlights a robust schedule of events across Connecticut, centered on Armed Forces Week and preparations for Memorial Day. The upcoming May 16 Saturday Edition will provide expanded details on these programs, which range from essential veteran services to community-wide commemorations.
Service & Wellness Highlights
- Veterans Rally Point (Norwich): A two-day Mobile Veterinary Clinic (May 15–16) hosted by Paws of War, offering wellness exams and vaccines for the pets of veterans and active-duty members.
- Health & Resiliency: Ongoing support includes the Warriors for Warriors free acupuncture sessions in Niantic (1st and 2nd Mondays) and a dedicated Women Veterans Retreat by Healing Hoofbeats (May 30–31) focusing on civilian re-integration.
- Direct Benefits: VFW Post 399 in Westport will host a Veterans Benefits Luncheon on May 28, offering a free meal and welfare checks for all who served.
Commemorations & Memorial Day Previews
The state begins its transition into a period of remembrance with several key ceremonies:
- Maritime Honors: A solemn National Maritime Day “Honor the Mariner” ceremony takes place at Fort Trumbull State Park on May 22.
- Community Parades: Major parades and wreath-laying ceremonies are scheduled for Newington, Orange, Enfield, Waterbury, and Tolland on May 23–24, followed by Simsbury, Rocky Hill, Litchfield, Putnam, Stratford, Ridgefield, and Washington on Memorial Day, May 25.
- Norwalk Traditions: The city continues its 13-year tradition of Flag Placing at St. John’s Cemetery (May 16) and the Veterans Memorial Ceremony at Calf Pasture Beach (May 17).
Fellowship & Community Engagement
- Veterans Coffeehouses: Engagement opportunities continue in Ellington (May 21) featuring the “Faces of Freedom” project and a special Memorial Day Event in Somers (May 30).
- Benefit Events: The Shamrock Cafe in Suffield hosts a “Blessing of the Bikes” (May 17) and a 6016 Veterans Awareness Project Benefit (June 7) to collect essential toiletries for veterans in need.
- Live Music: VFW Posts in Westport and Willimantic will host social evenings with live performances by The X-Man and P’om & Paul.
Note to Readers: All events are listed in chronological order within the full publication. For real-time updates and the complete digital calendar, please refer to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar in our upcoming Saturday publication or our previous publication, which doesn’t include the events here, yet it has the all others.
In this week’s Thursday Preview, we spotlight the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 16 May 2026 Edition. These events and programs are thoughtfully curated to support and engage Connecticut’s veteran community.
Thursday 14 May 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 16 May 2026
Events are in order by date
Connecticut Mobile Veterinary Clinic Veterans Rally Point Norwich CT
Connecticut Mobile Veterinary Clinic Veterans Rally Point Norwich CT
May 15th, 2026 – 12 PM – 5PM
May 16th, 2026 – 8 AM – 12 PM
Assisting Veterans, Active Military Members and their Pets
Basic Wellness Exams, Vaccines, Nail Clippings and Microchipping
Appointments Preferred.
Please call 631.406.6595
or email sagea@pawsofwar.org to schedule an appointment.
Funded by a Millstein Veterinary Project grant from The Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare
Hosted by:
(631) 406-6595
Location: easterseals VETERANS RALLY POINT 24 Stott Ave,
Norwich, CT 06360
Norwalk Memorial Day Flag Placing 2026
Norwalk Memorial Day Flag Placing 2026
For more than 13 years, King Industries, Inc. has proudly hosted the Annual Memorial Day Flag Placing Ceremony to honor the men and women who served our country. Each year, volunteers come together to place American flags on veterans’ graves throughout the City of Norwalk as a tribute to their service and sacrifice.
We invite members of the community to join us in continuing this meaningful tradition.
The Annual Memorial Day Flag Placing Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16th at St. John’s Cemetery, located at 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850.
Refreshments: 9:30 AM
Ceremony Begins: 10:00 AM
Your participation helps us show gratitude and respect to our veterans and ensures this important tradition continues for future generations. All are welcome.
Hosted by:
(203) 866-5551
Location:
St. John’s Cemetery Norwalk, 223 Richards Avenue,
Norwalk, CT 06850.
Norwalk Veterans Memorial Ceremony 2026
Norwalk Veterans Memorial Ceremony 2026
The annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony will be held at the Shea – Magrath Memorial and Wall of Remembrance on Sunday, May 17, at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony honors those from Norwalk who died during all wars as well as Medal of Honor recipients from Norwalk, PFC John Magrath and PFC Daniel Shea. The event starts with a 30 minute concert by the Fairfield County Brass Quartet. The guest speaker is former Mayor of Norwalk, Harry Rilling.
Hosted by:
Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee (203) 952-0560
Location:
50 Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06855
Shamrock Cafe’s Blessing • Band • BBQ Breakout
Shamrock Cafe’s Blessing • Band • BBQ Breakout
Sunday May 17, 2026
2-8PM
Breakout of the backyard fun. Annual Blessing of the Bikes by our favorite Minister Mike Mull
Followed by our POKER RUN FOR FU.
Live Music OUTSIDE 2–8 by JUST GO WITH IT
Don’t miss the food truck HOG TIED BBQ
50/50 raffle to benefit STOP SOLDIER SUICIDE
We will open at 10am this Sunday to register for the ride!
Sponsored by:
Hosted by:
(860) 292-8668
Location:
1117 East Street S, Suffield, CT 06078
Ellington Veterans Coffeehouse
Ellington Veterans Coffeehouse
Thursday, May 21, 2026
10:30AM
Every veteran has a story worth hearing. Join us on Thursday, May 21st as we welcome Walter Schuppe from Faces of Freedom. Enjoy a selection of powerful veteran stories and learn more about this meaningful project. Refreshments will be provided by LuAnn’s Bakery.
Faces of Freedom preserves and archives the personal histories and images of U.S. military veterans and Holocaust survivors. Only 10% of military personnel see combat, but every veteran has a story. We want to tell your story and save it for generations to come.
For more information.
Call 860-870-3128
Hosted by:
Town of Ellington Connecticut (860) 870-3100
Location: Hall Memorial Library
2nd floor meeting room,
93 Main St,,
Ellington, Connecticut, 06029
National Maritime Day “Honor The Mariner” Ceremony
National Maritime Day “Honor The Mariner” Ceremony
📅 Date / Time:
May 22, 2026 – Noon 🕛
Join us this National Maritime Day as we gather in solemn remembrance to honor the brave mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
This meaningful ceremony will bring together veterans, families, community members, and local leaders to reflect, remember, and pay tribute.
The program will include:
• 🇺🇸 Presentation of the Colors
• 🎺 Playing of Taps
• 🎤 Guest speakers and remarks
• 🌺 Wreath-laying ceremony
• 🤝 Community fellowship
National Maritime Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a recognition of the mariners who have powered our nation’s economy, defended its freedom in times of war, and kept global commerce moving through every generation.
This event is open to the public & free to attend. All welcome to attend. Please bring family and friends as we come together as a community to honor our fallen heroes.
“All gave some. Some gave all.” 🇺🇸
Hosted by:
American Merchant Marine Veterans Region 4
(860) 876-7557
Location: Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
90 Walbach St,
New London, CT 06320
The X-Man At VFW Post 399
The X-Man At VFW Post 399
May 22, Friday 6:00-8:00PM
From The Beatles to Burt Bacharach to The Who and more!
Open to the Public.
No Cover
Happy Hour Drink Prices
Good Bar Food
Surprise guests are always a possibility!!
Hosted by:
(203) 227-6796
Location:
465 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Newington Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Newington Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Saturday 23 May 2026
10:30 AM
Join the Town of Newington for the 2026 Memorial Day Parade and ceremony. The parade steps off at 10:30 AM from Garfield St., proceeding down Willard Ave., turning right on West Hill Rd., and left onto Main St. The reviewing stand is located at Market Square. A post-parade ceremony follows at the Veterans Memorial (131 Cedar St.) including a wreath-laying and “Taps.” This rain-or-shine event features military color guards, marching bands, and veterans’ organizations.
Hosted by: Newington Memorial Day Parade Committee
Location: 131 Cedar St, Newington, CT 06111
Town of Orange Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Town of Orange Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Sunday 24 May 2026
10:30 AM Sharp
Join the Town of Orange for the 2026 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony honoring our heroes and remembering the fallen.
Parade Route: Start at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road. Travels up Orange Center Road, past Town Hall.
Ceremony: Immediately following the parade at High Plains Community Center Gazebo.
Weather Plan: In case of rain, parade is canceled. A ceremony will be held inside High Plains Community Center at 11:00 AM.
March With Us! Community groups, veterans, and local organizations are invited. Scan QR code or visit link to register.
Marching Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYSmqH8sEqUqwGYn7qIs-DDcc7LM412EfDe2jDRwwWCi6OCA/viewform
Application deadline: May 1st, 2026.
Hosted by: Town of Orange Parade Committee
For more information: 203-891-4738
Location: High Plains Community Center
525 Orange Center Road,
Orange, CT 06477
Enfield Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
Enfield Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
May 24, 2026 • 1:00pm
Join the Enfield Veterans Council and our community in Remembering our Veterans.
The Parade begins at Enfield St School, Marches north on Route 5 to Enfield Town Green. A Wreath Ceremony with gun salute takes place at the Gazebo immediately following the Parade. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Enfield High School.
Join our community in honoring the service of our military heroes
For more information visit:
Go to tabs: Services, Veterans, Veterans Events
The Enfield Veterans Council is proud to host Enfield’s Memorial Day Parade. Join us along with many community organizations, businesses, and veteran groups in remembering our veterans.
The Enfield High School and Enfield High School Honors Chorus will perform on the Town Green at the Wreath Ceremony. 🇺🇸
Hosted by:
(860) 463-7168
Location: Enfield High School,
1264 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082
Waterbury Memorial Day Parade 2026
Waterbury Memorial Day Parade 2026
SUNDAY MAY 24, 2026
Parade steps off at 1pm.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the theme for this year’s parade will be:
“Stars, Stripes, and Sacrifice: 250 Years of American Heroes”
We hope you will join us!
Day Parade
12PM Muster on freight St.
Parade route: Meadow St, Grand St, Bank St, West Main St, Meadow st.
Memorial Ceremony on the Green following the parade
Remember & Honor
If you are interested in participating in the parade please contact:
wtbyveteransmemorialcommittee@gmail.com
Click the form link:
https://forms.gle/2Vm5DrtEbBbfuetr9
Or scan QR code.
Waterbury CT Veterans Memorial Committee
Kelly Zimmermann – Parade Chairwoman
203-232-8920
Hosted by:
(203) 597-3444
Location: Meadow St, Grand St, Bank St, West Main St, Meadow st., Waterbury, Connecticut
Tolland Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Tolland Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
The Town of Tolland will honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans during the 2026 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. This annual tradition brings the community together to remember the fallen and show support for those who have served.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Tolland Green
- Parade Route: The line of march begins at the Tolland Senior Center (674 Tolland Stage Road) and proceeds to the Tolland Green.
- Ceremony: A solemn memorial service will take place at the Veterans Memorial immediately following the parade.
Call to Action:
The Tolland Permanent Celebration Committee is actively seeking marchers, local organizations, veterans groups, and community floats to join the line of march.
- To Register: Visit the official town website at www.tollandct.gov or contact the committee directly via email at pcctolland@gmail.com.
Hosted by:
(860) 871-3600
Location: Tolland Green
Tolland Connecticut
Simsbury & Tariffville Memorial Day Events 2026
Simsbury & Tariffville Memorial Day Events 2026
The Town of Simsbury, Village of Tariffville, American Legion Post 84, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1926 invite all to the Memorial Day Celebrations on May 25, 2026.
Tariffville Parade will begin @ 9 A.M. starting at the corner of Winthrop Street/Main Street and moving towards the Tariffville/St. Bernards Cemetery.
Simsbury Parade will begin @ 12:30 P.M. starting at the corner of Owens Brook Blvd./Hopmeadow Street and moving along Hopmeadow towards the Simsbury Veterans Memorial.
Ceremonies to follow each parade.
Hosted by:
Town of Simsbury & Village of of Tariffville
(860) 739-5102
Location:
Main Street,
Tariffville, Connecticut
& Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
Rocky Hill Memorial Day Parade 2026
Rocky Hill Memorial Day Parade 2026
Mark your calendars!!!
Rocky Hill’s Memorial Day Parade is happening on Monday, May 25th starting at 9:30 a.m. Join us as we come together to honor and remember our fallen heroes. We also invite you to take a moment to recognize and appreciate our generous sponsors who make this event possible.
Interested in participating or volunteering? Please click on the link below:
https://rockyhillct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30812
Or Call Rocky Hill Parks & Recreation (860) 258-2754
Or email: rchhabra@rockyhillct.gov
Hosted by:
Location:
50 Chapin Avenue,
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Litchfield Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Litchfield Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
This is an open invitation to anyone in the community to participate in our annual
Litchfield Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.
Memorial Day Parade will kick off on Monday, May 25th at 10:00 am from North Street Rt. 63 in Litchfield. Gathering at 9:30 for line up. Directly following the Parade is the Ceremony at Litchfield Center Green. If inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Morgan Weir Post #27 American Legion Memorial Home at 10:00 am.
For more details:
Morgan Weir Post #27 American Legion
P.O. Box 843
Litchfield, Ct 06759-0843
Or Gene @ 860-283-8120
Or Email morganweir27@yahoo.com
Hosted by:
Morgan Weir American Legion Post 27
(860) 567-9930
Location: North Street (Route 63),
Litchfield, Connecticut.
Putnam Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Putnam Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Marchers wanted 🇺🇸! Putnam Recreation and the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee are planning the 2026 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th, and we want you to join us! Parade lineup begins at 9:00am on Grove Street, with the parade kicking off at 10:00am. Following the parade, a ceremony will be held in Rotary Park to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information, call Putnam Recreation at (860) 963-6811 or follow the link.
Hosted by:
Putnam Connecticut Department of Recreation (860) 963-6811
Location: Parade steps off at Grove Street. Finish up on the side road next to Dunkin Donuts on Kennedy Drive, Putnam, Connecticut
Stratford Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Stratford Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Monday 25 May 2026 11:00 AM
The Town of Stratford and VFW Post 9460 will honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans during the 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade. This annual tradition brings the community together to remember the fallen and show support for those who have served.
- Ceremony: A solemn memorial service will take place at the Veterans Memorial on Academy Hill at 11:00 AM.
- Parade: The line of march kicks off at 12:00 PM immediately following the ceremony.
- Route: The parade proceeds north from Academy Hill along Main Street toward Paradise Green.
- To Register: The VFW is actively seeking marchers, local organizations, and veterans groups to join the line of march. Contact VFW Post 9460 at (203) 377-0214 or visit the Post at 100 Veterans Blvd.
Presented by: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460
Location: Academy Hill Park, Stratford, Connecticut
Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
May 25, 2026
11:30 am
Come out for Ridgefield’s Memorial Day Parade with a float honoring the countless residents who gave their lives in service to the nation, as we mark the 250th anniversary of America this year. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. with a rifle salute at the veterans monument in front of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church and concludes with ceremonies at Ballard Park.
Hosted by: Town of Ridgefield
Location: Main Street, Ridgefield CT
Washington Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Events 2026
Washington Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Events 2026
Monday, 25 May, 2026 12:30 pm
Save the Date! Washington’s Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026 to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Parade Schedule:
- 12:30 PM: The Parade will step off from the Washington Primary School
- 1:30 PM: Ceremony continues at Baldwin Hill
- 2:30 PM: Ceremony continues at St. Johns Cemetery (Washington Green)
- 3:00 pm: Ceremony proceeds to the Bryan Memorial Town Hall for the Memorial Day Service and presentation of the Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship
- Chicken in the Box Dinner will be offered by American Legion Gage Zumpf Post #87, 6 Bryan Plaza
- In case of rain: Chicken in the Box will be offered, but there will be no parade. Services will be held at the cemeteries and the Memorial Stones in the Depot.
Hosted by:
Town of Washington Connecticut
(860) 868-2786
Location(s): Washington Primary School, Baldwin Hill, St. Johns Cemetery & Bryan Memorial Town Hall, Washington Connecticut 06794
Westport VFW Veterans Benefits Luncheon 2026
Westport VFW Veterans Benefits Luncheon
THURSDAY, MAY 28TH
BETWEEN 11AM–1PM
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
VETERAN BENEFITS LUNCHEON
FREE LUNCHEON FOR ALL VETERANS
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) POST 399
465 RIVERSIDE AVENUE WESTPORT
PLEASE SEND YOUR RSVP TO
Veterans Welfare Check
★★★
Hosted by:
(203) 227-6796
Location:
465 Riverside Ave,
Westport, CT 06880
VFW Post 1724 Willimantic Pom Paul Music
VFW Post 1724 Willimantic Pom Paul Music
Friday, May 29, 2026 6PM – 9PM
P’om & Paul will be playing at the VFW Willimantic Post Friday, May 29th from 6-9pm so c’mon down and enjoy a cocktail or two and listen to the music of your memories.
Hosted by:
(860) 423-0209
Location: 630 Valley St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Healing Hoofbeats of Connecticut Women Veterans Retreat 2026
Healing Hoofbeats of Connecticut Women Veterans Retreat
MAY 30TH – 31ST 2026
Grounded healing for women who have served.
Join us to jump start or enhance your therapy journey. Through group activities and individualized work, you will leave the farm more prepared to handle civilian life than ever before with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. If you know any women veterans in the MA, CT, NY area that are looking for an incredible experience, check out this amazing retreat at the farm, this time, just for the ladies. Registration is free!
Email: info@healinghoofbeatsofct.org
Hosted by:
Healing Hoofbeats of Connecticut
(203) 244-8411
Location: Tolland Green, Tolland Connecticut
Somers Veterans Coffeehouse Memorial Day Event 2026
Somers Veterans Coffeehouse
Saturday, May 30, 2026,
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
The Somers Department of Veterans Affairs and the Legacy of Service: Somers Veterans Foundation, Inc. are hosting the Veterans Coffeehouse Memorial Day Event at the Somers Town Hall. This community gathering offers a space for veterans, families, and neighbors to honor and remember those who served through shared stories, a dedicated Remembrance Board, a themed photo booth, and an information table. Both sponsoring organizations are dedicated to supporting local service members and families by providing assistance with VA claims, navigating benefits, and hosting educational and outreach initiatives that preserve the history and sacrifices of military service.
For more details about the event or the organizations, community members can reach out via email at Veterans@SomersCT.gov
Or Info@LS-SVF.org,
Or by calling (860) 272-4207.
Hosted by:
Somers Department of Veterans Affairs (860) 763-8201
In partnership with Somers Veterans Foundation, Inc.
Location:
600 Main Street
Somers, CT 06071
Free Acupuncture For Active Military, Veterans & First Responders
Free Acupuncture For Active Military, Veterans & First Responders
1st and 2nd Mondays of every month
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Duty & First Responders
Expert medical treatments provided at no cost to honor those who serve. Prioritizing those facing PTS, suicidal thoughts, or psychological wounds. No intake forms, no medical history, and no need to discuss your service. Expert Care for Body & Mind
Led by David LoPriore, Sensei, L.Ac. (35+ years experience), along with Felicia Baker, L.Ac., and Michelle DeChaine, RN (Retired Army MSG). Proven effective for:
- PTS, Anxiety, Depression, and Hyper-vigilance
- Chronic Pain, TBI, Headaches, and Insomnia
- Re-integration and overall resiliency
Requirements: Walk-ins welcome. Please bring Military ID, DD-214, or official service ID.
Contact & Support
Call: 860-739-5102
Email: WFWCAV@gmail.com
Online: WarriorsForWarriors.US
Note: Sessions are canceled if the building is closed for holidays.
Hosted by:
(860) 739-5102
Location:
East Lyme Community Center (Senior Center), 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357
6016 Veterans Awareness Project Benefit 2026
6016 Veterans Awareness Project Benefit 2026
June 7, 2026 2-6
live music. Food Available by Hog Tied BBQ. 20% OF ALL SALES GO TO 6016 Veterans Awareness Project
Toiletries Collection Collection items::
- Under-Shirt
- Pants, Jeans or shorts
- Shirt
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sweater/Sweat-shirt
- Shoes
- Slippers
- Hat and Scarf
- Gloves/Mittens
- Jacket
- Tooth Paste
- Tooth Brush
- Floss/Mouthwash
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap or Bodywash
- Lotion/Powder
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Pads/Tampons
- Denture items
Thank you in advance the 60-16 Veterans Awareness Project
Jack Gahr Gail Foster Gahr Pam Josefiak Bob Miner Frank Balsamo HOG TIED BBQ The 60-16 Veterans Awareness Project“
Hosted by:
6016 Veterans Awareness Project
Location: Shamrock Cafe,,
1117 East Street S, Suffield, CT 06078
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