In this week’s Thursday Preview, we spotlight the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 25 April 2026 Edition. These events and programs are thoughtfully curated to support and engage Connecticut’s veteran community.
For a complete list of events and more details, please refer to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar in our upcoming publication or though our previous publication doesn’t include the events here, it has the all others.
CVBโs Thursday 23 April 2026 Preview of Saturdayโs Connecticut Veterans Calendar Publication
In this weekโs Connecticut Veterans Bulletin Thursday Preview, we highlight a powerful lineup of newly added events, fundraisers, ceremonies, and community programs appearing in the Saturday, April 25, 2026 Connecticut Veterans Calendar Publication.
From Earth Day environmental initiatives supporting veteran museums to Memorial Day ceremonies, parades, and flag placements honoring the fallen, this weekโs calendar reflects the strength, unity, and ongoing commitment of Connecticutโs veteran community.
Featured Highlights This Week
- Support history and sustainability through the Earth Day Can & Bottle Drive benefiting the World War II Legacy Foundation Museum in East Hartford
- Enjoy camaraderie at the weekly VFW Cruise Nights beginning April 30 in Windsor Locks
- Reserve your seat early for the highly anticipated Mike Bova Comedy Concert in Vernonโprevious shows sold out quickly
- Plan ahead for meaningful May events including Memorial Day ceremonies, parades, and volunteer flag placements across Connecticut
- Take part in family-friendly and community-driven fundraisers like the Chaplin Veterans Lions Club Motherโs Day Breakfast
- Look forward to major summer veteran events including Warbird Weekend 2026, golf tournaments, rides, picnics, and multi-organization fundraisers supporting local veterans
These events represent only a portion of whatโs coming in this weekโs full calendar release. Each listing supports Connecticut veterans through connection, remembrance, recreation, and critical fundraising efforts.
Whether youโre looking to volunteer, attend, donate, or participate, there are opportunities statewide to stay engaged and give back.
๐ Be sure to check the full Saturday Connecticut Veterans Calendar Publication for complete event details and additional listings not included in this preview.
Thursday 23 April 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 25 April 2026
Events are in order by date
Earth Day Can & Bottle Drive Supporting World War 2 Legacy Foundation Museum
Earth Day Can & Bottle Drive Supporting World War 2 Legacy Foundation Museum
Support the World War 2 Legacy Foundation Museum Earth Day Can & Bottle Drive.
Help us raise funds to support the museum while saving the planet. We will be collecting empty and clean bottles and cans throughout the months of April and May.
You can drop them off at 61 Matthew Road, East Hartford or at the Museum by arrangement.
CALL US ATย (860)810-8736
(Please do not leave them outside the museum when it is closed) Thank You!
Hosted by:ย World War II Legacy Foundation Museum, Research & Education Center
(860)810-8736
Location(s):
61 Matthew Road,
East Hartford
or by arrangementsย atย
102 Pitkin Street, East Hartford 06108
Thursday Night VFW Cruise at Smalley Brothers VFW Post 6123
NEXT RECURRENCE THURSDAY 30 April 2026
Thursday Night VFW Cruise at Smalley Brothers VFW Post 6123
5:30PM
EVERY WEEK
STARTS
APRIL 30,2026
FOOD
DRINK
50/50 RAFFLE
Hosted by:
Smalley Brothers VFW Post 6123ย (860) 623-6856
Location:ย
36 Fairview St, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Mike Bova Comedy Concert
Mike Bova Comedy Concert
6:00 dinner starts, show starts at 7:00. Tickets are available. Ticket price is 35.00 per person.
See any Freedom Riders for tickets.ย The show sold out last time.
Hosted by:
(860) 230-3010
Location:ย Dobosz-Ertel-Laboc-Hansen American Legion Post 14,ย 114 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
Chaplin Veterans Lions Club Mother’s Day Breakfast
Chaplin Veterans Lions Club Mother’s Day Breakfast
SATURDAY – May 9, 2026
8 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost:ย $15 per ticket (Kids 5 and under eat free)
Menu includes:
- Pancakes
- Plain
- Blueberry
- Chocolate chip
- Sausage with biscuits & gravy
- Scrambled Eggs
- Fruit Cup
- Drinks: Tea, Coffee, Water, Hot Chocolate & Juice
All proceeds will support CT Veteran community
1. Cash, check, or QR code:
Note: CVLC Pancake Breakfast
2. To confirm RSVP:
Email โย Chaplin VeteransLionsClub @gmail.com
RSVP w/ ticket paid in advance by May 1st for (one) free entry into a Mother’s Day Basket Raffles
Hosted by:
Location:ย 108 England Rd, Chaplin CT Main Room of Veterans Base Camp
St Stanislaus Memorial Day Weekend Flag Placement
St Stanislaus Memorial Day Weekend Flag Placement
Saturday,
May 23, 2026
11:00 ะฐะผ
Rain or Shine
Meet at the first Ann St. entrance 800 + flags placed at the graves of Veterans. PLAV Post 189, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons Detachment.
Volunteers needed
FOLLOWED BY REFRESHMENTS AT POST
QUESTIONS?ย CONTACT MARK KULINSKI (203)804-4122
Hosted by:ย
PLAV Post 189PLAV Post 189, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons Detachmentย
Location:ย
384 Ann St,
Meriden, CT 06450
Plainfield CT Memorial Day Parade 2026
Plainfield CT Memorial Day Parade 2026
The 2026 Plainfield, CT Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, stepping off at 1:00 p.m. from the Central School parking lot. The town-hosted event features a procession down to Plainfield Memorial Park (across from Town Hall) followed by a ceremony and refreshments.
Taking collections for Project P.I.N.
Community members and parade participants are cordially invited to theย William L. Mercier VFW Post 5446ย at the end of the ceremony for refreshments sponsored by the local veterans service organizations.
All are welcome!
Cindy M. Beaudoin AMVETS Post 47.ย American Legion Post 91,ย William L. Mercier VFW Post 5446ย (Plainfield), local first responders and many more!
More information will be posted soon @ย www.plainfieldct.org
Hosted by:
(860) 230-3010
Location:ย Beginning at the Central School parking lot to Plainfield Memorial Park
Memorial Day Ceremony At The State Veterans Cemetery
Memorial Day Ceremony At The State Veterans Cemetery
Monday, May 25, 2026
2:00pm.
Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch and the Middletown Council of Veterans will preside over a ceremony honoring military members who died while serving our country. The ceremony will take place on ย
The public is encouraged to attend.
Hosted by:ย
Location:ย
State Veterans Cemetery Middletown, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT
Warbird Weekend 2026ย
Warbird Weekend 2026ย
June 4โ8, 2026
The Commemorative Air Force is returning this June 5th – 7th to the Connecticut Air & Space Center to give YOU the chance to experience World War II Aviation History up close and personal!
We will have FOUR vintage Warbirds available for rides this year! Plus food trucks, reenactors, vehicles, displays, other aircraft, and much more!
– P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter”
– T-6 Texan “Nella”
– PT-17 Stearman
– C-45
https://www.airpowersquadron.org
All riders must sign a Hold Harmless agreement and must be at least 12 years of age. Between the ages of 12 and 17 a Legal Guardian must be present at Check- in.
(Weight restrictions above 250 pounds may apply)
General Admission: (Payย day of event at door)
$10 Adults, $7 Veterans, $5 Kids (age 6+)
Food Trucks to be announced
Note: Aircraft availability subject to change due to maintenance, pilots, weather, etc.
Presented by
Host:ย Connecticut Air and Space Center
Location:ย Connecticut Air and Space Centerย
225 B Main St, Stratford, CT 06615
8- BALL ( V.E.T.S ) POOL TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
8- BALL ( V.E.T.S ) POOL TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
We at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.) are very excited about being part of this event.
This tournament is presented in partnership with our organization to support veterans in our community through equine-assisted therapy programs. All proceeds and donations will remain local, directly benefiting the men and women in our area who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Contributions are not allocated to national funds.
Event Information ย
โข ย Host Venue: Davidโs Cafรฉ ย
โข ย Date : Sunday June 7,2026
โข ย Location: Preston, Connecticut ย
โข ย Coordinated with: Wes Baker ย
We invite you to participate in the tournament or attend in support of this important cause. Your involvement helps ensure that local veterans continue to receive the therapeutic services they deserve.ย Donations are still hugely appreciated โ 100% stays here to help local vets.ย ย
We look forward to your support.for more information on our Veteran nonprofit please visit our website atย VETSCT.ORGย
Hosted by:
Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services
(860) 235-7872
Location:ย David’s Cafe Preston,
134 CT-12, Preston, CT 06365
Hooks For Heroes 15th Annual Fundraiser And Celebrationย
Hooks For Heroes 15th Annual Fundraiser And Celebrationย
June 20, 2026
12:30pm – 4:00pm
Honoring Our Active Military, Veterans, And First Responders.
Save The Date:
Live Music Band
Large Buffet And Barbecue
Raffle And Auction
Kids Activities: Arcade Games, ‘Touch A Truck’, Military Vehicles
Entrance Feeย (Donation) $35
Children Under 12 Free
PayPal | Zelle Donations
Hosted by:ย
Location:ย
10 Seaview Ave,
Stamford, CT 06902
Crossfire Hurricane Rolling Stones Tribute Band At Westport VFW
Crossfire Hurricane Rolling Stones Tribute Band At Westport VFW
Friday, July 10, 2026
8 PM – 11 PM
Get ready to rock all night with Crossfire, the ultimate Rolling Stones tribute band live!
Get ready for an electrifying night with
CROSSFIRE HURRICANE, the ultimate Rolling Stones Tribute Bandย bringing all the classic hits live to the stage! Experience the raw energy and iconic sound of Mick Jagger & co. as they take you on a nostalgic journey in person. It’s a perfect chance to rock out, sing along, and soak up the legendary vibes of one of rock’s greatest bands. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable show!
Tickets:ย Eventbriteย
Hosted by:ย
(203) 227-6796
Location:ย 465 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Sokol Lodge 30 & Jason D Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 Golf Outing
Sokol Lodge 30 & Jason D Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 Golf Outing
JULY 15, 2026
11:00 AM: Registration Opens, Driving Range Practice, Lunch
1:00 PM: Shotgun Start
6:00 PM:ย Dinner and Awards
We are thrilled to have you here at Richter Park Golf Course this July 15th for a day where the drives are long and the cause is even bigger.
Whether youโre aiming for the leaderboard or just trying to stay out of the woods, remember that every swing supports our veterans and local SOKOL Lodge community.
Letโs hit the links, enjoy the sun, and turn a great game of golf into a huge win for a fantastic cause!
Register:ย
https://sokol-lodge-30-brookfield-vfw-post-10201-annual-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com
Hosted by:
Sokol Lodge 30ย (973) 265-8724ย &ย Jason D Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201
Location:ย Richter Park Golf Course,
100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, CT 06811
Veterans 3rd Annual Picnic Windham Fish & Game Club
Veterans 3rd Annual Picnic Windham Fish & Game Club
SATURDAY
JULY 25th AT NOON
Join us for a day of Celebration, Honor, & Fun!
WINDHAM FISH & GAME CLUB
276 JERUSALEM ROAD, WINDHAM CENTER
RESERVATION REQUIRED: Call Tom Curtin
860-655-0602
DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Hosted by:ย
(860) 423-5618
Location:ย
267 Jerusalem Rd,
Windham, CT 06280
MFC East Conn’s Annual Salute To Veterans Ride
MFC East Conn’s Annual Salute To Veterans Ride
Saturday, August 1st
Meet Up: 10:00 AM
Kickstands Up: 11:00 AM
Join MFC East Conn on Saturday, August 1st as we ride to honor those who served. Letโs fill the road with bikes and show our veterans the support they deserve. Share it, invite your friends, and come ride with us!
RIDE DETAILS
$ RIDE COST
โ $20 Per Rider
โ $10 Per Passenger
Walk-In Meal Tickets: $20
AFTER THE RIDE
PIG ROAST
SUPPORTING
Questions:ย MFCMEASTCONN@GMAIL.COM
Hosted by:ย
(860) 423-5618
Location:ย
Start:ย American Legion Post 14 vernonย 114 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
End:ย Veterans Base Campย 108 England Road, Chaplin, Ct 06235
10th Anniversary Bash Veterans Strong Community Center
10th Anniversary Bash Veterans Strong Community Centerย
Friday, August 7, 2026 6-10PMย Save The Date
So much happening this year – it’s a big year for VSCC! I hope you’ll join us for a celebration
Hosted By:ย Veterans Strong Community Centerย ย (860) 584-6258
Location:ย Double Tree by Hilton Bristol,ย 42 Century Dr, Bristol, CT 06010
4th Annual BBQ Clam Bake At Morgan Weir Post 27
4th Annual BBQ Clam Bake At Morgan Weir Post 27
AUGUST 8, 2026
2:30-7:30
RAIN DATE 8/9
BBQ/CLAMBAKE
PIG ROAST * CHICKEN * STEAMERS & RAW CLAMS BURGERS * HOT DOGS * SIDES * DESSERTS
JEFF SUMMA AND THE ROASTERSย 3-6:30 PM
CASH BAR-NO BYOB
Tickets:
$50 Buy Before JULY 1
$60 Buy After July 1
Call or Stop By 860-567-9930
Hosted by:ย Morgan Weir American Legion Post 27
Location: 418 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
18th Annual PLAV Post 189 Golf Tournament
18th Annual PLAV Post 189 Golf Tournament
Saturday
August 15, 2026
8:30 AM Registration
9:30 AM Shotgun Start
BBQ and Awards at the post.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, TO ALL LEVELS OR GOLFERS. ๐
Entry forms available at the POST ๐๏ธ
193 East Main St.
Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Post for more information
โ๏ธ (203)237-7492
Cost:ย $130 per Golfer
Hosted by:ย PLAV Post 189
(203)237-7492
Location(s):
Tournament:ย Portland Golf Course West, 105 Gospel Ln, Portland, CT 06480
BBQ & Awards:
193 E Main St,
Meriden, CT 06450
Rise and Dine Buffet Breakfast at Veterans Rally Point
Rise and Dine Buffet Breakfast at Veterans Rally Point
Come join us for an amazing breakfast which supports our programs at Veterans Rally Point!!
Last Saturday of every month.
$10pp and children under 5 eat free!!
Hosted by:
(860) 859-4148 ext. 1
Location:
24 Stott Ave,
Norwich, CT 06360
10th Annual Purple Heart Poker Run
10th Annual Purple Heart Poker Run
Join us for our 10th annual Purple Heart Poker Run!! Thatโs rightโฆ10 years we have been doing this!!!
Registration and starting locationย will be at Mikeโs Famous Harley Davidson in New London, CT. We will be posting our stops as we get closer to the event so make sure youโreย following the event to stay informed.
If you no longer ride or donโt and want to do the run in your car, truck, low rider, monster truck, clown car, on your scooterโฆby all means please join us!!
Hosted by:
guardianspurpleheartct@gmail.com
Location:ย Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson,
951 Bank St,
New London, CT 06320
Surfside Veterans 2nd Annual Car Show Fundraiser
Surfside Veterans 2nd Annual Car Show Fundraiser
August 29, 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm
Summertime Classic CAR SHOW
Food Trucks / Vendors
Early Registrationย
$10 Per Car
Registration At Eventย
$20 Per Car
To register contactย Joe – 475-384-2241
Awardsย –
Presented at 1:00 pm
Hosted by:ย
(203) 227-6796
Location:ย West Haven City Hall Parking Lot,
355 Main St,
West Haven, CT 06516
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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 โ 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.