The Thursday, 2 July 2026, preview for the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin highlights 15 upcoming military and veteran-focused events to support the community. These listings serve as a supplement to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar, detailing key activities ranging from Independence Day celebrations and community fundraisers to statewide stand-down initiatives and charity rides scheduled through October 2026. Readers are encouraged to reference the upcoming Saturday edition for full details or the previous publication for ongoing & recurring listings.
Source: Connecticut Veterans Bulletin, “CVB’S Thursday 2 July 2026 Preview of Saturday’s Calendar Publication,” https://ctvetsbulletin.org.
Thursday 2 July 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 4 July 2026
Events are in order by date
250th Birthday of America At American Legion Post 20
250th Birthday of America At American Legion Post 20
COME CELEBRATE THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICA AT THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 20 TERRYVILLE.
Noon till 6pm July 4th
WE WILL HAVE AN OPEN HOUSE WITH A FUN FILLED DAY OF ACTIVITIES, FREE BURGERS/DOGS / FRIES (while they last) AND ENTERTAINMENT.
For the kids;
“Touch a Truck” (fire truck, ambulance, police cruiser, heavy construction)- depending on service related calls.
Facepainting, sno-cones, clown, yard games, and Uncle Sam.
For the Adults;
Live Band 1-3, D J after till 6
Town civic organizations will be on hand to explain their missions
Canteen with adult beverages to purchase
Hosted by: American Legion Plymouth Post 20
(860) 584-9119
Location: 245 Main St, Terryville, CT 06786
Celebrate America’s 250th At Port 5
Celebrate America’s 250th At Port 5
Saturday, July 4, 2026
1:00PM
Kicking Off The Party! 1PM DJ Lady
Lunch & Entertainment
Lunch 2:30PM |
Cornhole
4PM The American 27’s *Band* Live & Loud!
DOOR PRIZES/GIVEAWAYS
MEMBERS & SPOUSES/PARTNERS FREE
NON-MEMBERS $5.00
EVERYONE MUST SIGN UP BY 07.01
NON-REFUNDABLE ★
Don’t forget your LAWN CHAIR!
Hosted by: The American 27s
Location: Port 5 National Association Of Naval Veterans
(203) 576-9366
69 Brewster St,
Bridgeport, CT 06605
Fire & Freedom Festival 2026
Fire & Freedom Festival 2026
JULY 5, 9:00AM
Honoring 250 Years of American Courage and Service
Step back in time and join us for a Fire & Freedom Festival honoring the dedication of our Veterans while celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
The day begins at 9:00 AM with a ceremonial Veteran Torch Relay departing from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. The torch will travel through several community checkpoints along the route, carried forward as a symbol of the enduring flame of liberty first ignited during the American Revolution.
Veteran Torch Relay, Reenactments, Carriage Rides, Workshops, Live Entertainment, Sing-Alongs, Vendors , Children’s Games & Activities, Arts and Crafts. From 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, the grounds will transform into a lively Revolutionary-era celebration featuring: Historical reenactments,
Live entertainment and music, Artisan crafts and colonial trades, Educational demonstrations and workshops, Food vendors and family activities
As the afternoon concludes, the celebration continues with an optional ticketed period-inspired dinner, where guests can gather for an evening meal inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Revolutionary era, bringing the day’s tribute to liberty to a memorable close.The festival is free and open to the public, welcoming guests of all ages to experience history in an immersive and festive setting.
Presented by: Haley Mansion
(860) 536-9604,
Rocks 21 (860) 536-8140
& Inn At Mystic (860) 536-9604
Location: HALEY MANSION, 9 Williams Ave, Mystic, CT 06355
Port 5 Pasta Dinner July 202
Port 5 Pasta Dinner July 202
Monday, July 13, 2026 6:00PM
Pasta Dinner
Sponsored by CIAS (COUNCIL OF ITALIAN AMERICAN SOCIETY) OF GREATER BRIDGEPORT
In collaboration with SONS & DAUGHTERS OF ITALY IN AMERICA
Together, raising funds to support the 2ND MARINE AIRCRAFT WING BAND as they participate in the 2026 Columbus Day Parade
- Salad
- Bread
- Pasta
- Dessert
- Coffee
- Cash Bar
Let’s support our Marine Band!
$30 PER PERSON
FOR TICKETS CALL OR EMAIL:
Tammy Silva 203-767-0782
Barb Susi-Botsko 203-394-8949
VENMO @Tammy-Silva-2
Sponsored By:
Council of Italian Americans Society of Greater Bridgeport
& Sons & Daughters of Italy In America
Hosted by: Port 5 National Association Of Naval Veterans
(203) 576-9366
Location: 69 Brewster St, Bridgeport, CT 06605
American Legion Post 16 Blood Drive
American Legion Post 16 Blood Drive
Friday, July 17th, 2026 11AM – 4PM
Be part of a life saving team
American Red Cross Donate Blood
Make your appointment today. by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Hosted by:
American Legion Post 16 (203) 924-9887
Location: 295 Bridgeport Ave,
Shelton, CT, 06484-
Eastern CT Veterans Center Family Fishing Derby
Eastern CT Veterans Center Family Fishing Derby
Sunday
July 19, 2026
Fishing with a Veteran
All proceeds benefit Eastern Connecticut Veterans Community Center
Prizes for top three youth winners
Snacks Drinks Merchandise will be available for purchase.
Raffle Items
Hosted by: Eastern CT Veterans Center
(860) 423-6389
Location:
Bassetts Bridge Road, Mansfield, CT 06250
Eastern CT Veterans Center Chicken BBQ Cookout & Classic Car Meet Up
Eastern CT Veterans Center Chicken BBQ Cookout & Classic Car Meet Up
July 23, 2026, 5-8PM
A Fundraiser For Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Cost:
$20 PER PLATE
CHICKEN, CORN BREAD, COLESLAW, BEANS
*BBQ*
Classic Cars Free To Join!
Contact Us To Rsvp Your Attendance Or Your Classic Car!
860.455.8129
OR
directorectveteranscenter@gmail.com
Supporting Veterans Honoring Service
Hosted by: Eastern CT Veterans Center
(860) 423-6389
Location: Masonic Ionic Lodge No. 110,
375 Boston Post Road, North Windham, CT 06226
VFW Prospect Family Picnic Concert 2026
VFW Prospect Family Picnic Concert 2026
8/2/26. 12:00PM
FREE FAMILY
Featuring
VFW PROSPЕСТ СТ
218 Cheshire Rd.
Family Picnic ConcertConcert
Basket/Blanket Cooler/Chair
No Glass
No Bottles
A Smokin’ Good Time
FREE FAMILY
NINE ROCK BANDS
GOD BLESS OUR VETS
HOSTED BY WORLDS WORST DRUMMER
Hosted by:
VFW Post 8075 Prospect (203) 758-4763
Location: 218 Cheshire Rd, Prospect, CT 06712
CT Vets 250 Yard Goats Military Appreciation Night
CT Vets 250 Yard Goats Military Appreciation Night
Friday, August 21, 2026
7:00PM
Join us for Hartford Yard Goats/CTVETS250 Military Appreciation Night as we recognize Connecticut veterans and their families at the ballpark. Ticket sales help us bring our community together and honor those who have served.
Your registration supports the Connecticut Veterans Foundation Inc. mission to recognize and support Connecticut Veterans of all generations. Please complete this form to reserve your seats and ensure we can plan a safe, welcoming evening for all.
Hosted by: CT Vets 250
Location: 1214 Main St,
Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Connecticut Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2026
Connecticut Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2026
Friday, September 18th, 9:00am to 2:00pm across six statewide locations:
- Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport at Wheeler Recreational Center 400 University Avenue
- Bristol: DoubleTree by Hilton – 42 Century Drive
- Danbury: Danbury War Memorial – 1 Memorial Drive
- Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point – 24 Stott Avenue
- Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs – 287 West Street
- Stamford: UConn Stamford – 1 University Place
Please visit our dedicated Stand Down page for the most up to date information:
https://portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/veterans-stand-down?language=en_US
Hosted by: Connecticut Veterans Affairs (860) 616-3600
Disabled American Veterans of Meriden Poker Run 2026
Disabled American Veterans of Meriden Poker Run 2026
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Rain date September 20th.
Pre registration 9-10:30 with coffee, donuts, etc. provided at signup.
Kickstands up 11:00AM
Buffet and raffle at the end of ride.
$25 rider
$15 passengers and walk-ins.
Cars are welcome.
Sponsored By Haymond’s all Wheels On The Road
Hosted by:
(860) 346-9521
& Local 90 Electrical Workers RC
Spanky (203) 654-0554
Location: The K-Club,
168 Main St,
Rockfall, CT 06481
Couch Pipa VFW Post 6851 Poker Run 2026
Couch Pipa VFW Post 6851 Poker Run 2026
SAT, SEPT 19th, 2026
Start Here
REGISTER/ /IST CARD: Between 9:30-10:30AM
Harley-Davidson of Danbury 51 Federal Rd., Danbury, CT 06810
Support our Veterans.
Have some fun.
HARLEY OWNERS GROUP
LAST CARD/FINAL STOP: 12-2PM
Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 104 S. Canaan Rd., N. Canaan, CТ 06018
$25 DONATION PER RIDER/PLAYER INCLUDES: 5 CARDS, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD VOUCHER, DOOR PRIZE TICKET
($15 Donation for Food Voucher Only)
Hosted by:
Couch Pipa VFW Post 6851 (860) 824-8158
Location: Harley Davidson of Danbury, 51 Federal Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
Fowler Dix Park Post 5095 20th Annual Lobsterfest
Fowler Dix Park Post 5095 20th Annual Lobsterfest
SEPT 19TH 2026
12PM – 4PM
GREAT FOOD!
LIVE MUSIC!
* RAFFLES! *
FAMILY FUN!
$60 PER TICKET
$15 STEAMERS
GOOD FOOD
GOOD FRIENDS.
GREAT CAUSE
Thank you for supporting our Veterans!
Hosted by:
Location: 20 N Maple St, East Hampton, CT 06424
VFW Auxiliary Department of Connecticut Gold Star Luncheon
VFW Auxiliary Department of Connecticut Gold Star Luncheon
SEPTEMBER 27, 2026. 12:15PM
MENU: ★ APPETIZER PLATTER ★ STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST W/ GRAVY ★ PENNE W/ ROASTED VEGETABLES ★MASHED POTATOES ★ BABY CARROTS ★ ROLLS W/ BUTTER ★ DESSERT ★ COFFEE W/ ASSORTED DESSERTS
$20.00 ALL TICKETS WILL BE HELD AT DOOR Deadline To Purchase Tickets: September 21, 2026
Please Make Checks Payable To VFW AUX Dept Of CT. Mail To: Deborah Macdonald 11 King Arthur Dr 3M, NIANTIC, CT 06357-1217
Sponsored by: VFW Auxiliary Department of Connecticut (860) 616-2368
Location: Raymond T Goldbach VFW POST 9460 100 Veterans Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
American Legion Riders Post 20 Annual Food Pantry Ride 2026
American Legion Riders Post 20 Annual Food Pantry Ride 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration
8:30-10:45 am,
Kick stands up
11 am
Price includes
Ride and Chicken Dinner with Sides
Riders $25
Passengers $15
Non-Riders welcome for $15 @2pm
Music and Raffles
Proceeds to Benefit Plymouth Food Pantry
Hosted by:
Connecticut American Legion Post 20 Riders
Location: American Legion Plymouth Post 20
245 Main St,
Terryville, CT 06786
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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