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.
In this week’s Thursday Preview, we look back to a pivotal moment in military history while spotlighting the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the Saturday, 21 March 2026 Edition.
“The Day of Liberation is Near”: Commemorating 19 March 2003
Twenty-three years ago today, the world watched as a U.S.-led coalition initiated Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The mission, launched on 19 March 2003 (early 20 March Baghdad time), aimed to disarm the regime of Saddam Hussein and eliminate the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office as the first strikes began, stating:
“My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.”
He emphasized the resolve of the American spirit and the nobility of the mission, telling the troops:
“The peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed. The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military.”
For the thousands of Connecticut veterans who served in the sands of Iraq, today is a day of reflection—a reminder of the “decisive force” applied and the “certainty of sacrifice” endured to ensure that we did not have to meet threats “later with armies of fire fighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.” We honor the service of every Nutmegger who answered that call.
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar for Saturday, 21 March 2026
Events are listed in order by date. For full details, See the flyers and links below.
“In the Shadow of Suribachi: Sammy’s Story”
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM Join the World War II Legacy Foundation for a screening of Joseph Conforti’s film about Samuel Bernstein. A survivor of Iwo Jima, Sammy shares his “tale of two battles”—fighting 36 days of hell on the island and facing the challenges of being a Jewish Marine during WWII.
- Location: 102 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT
- Contact: Gary Roy (860) 810-8736
Karaoke Night with Ed and Diana
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM A night of music and camaraderie at American Legion Post 68.
- Location: 154 Porters Pass, Kensington, CT
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Coffee Social
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Connecticut Veterans Affairs hosts this special gathering for our Vietnam-era heroes. No RSVP required.
- Location: Gold Star Memorial Auditorium, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT
American Infidels VMC Veterans Night
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 5:00 PM Network with fellow veterans at Epicure Brewing. Good vibes and brotherhood. IGY6.
- Location: 40 Franklin St, Norwich, CT
American Legion Post 197 Karaoke Night
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Featuring Rock The Mic Entertainment, a veteran-owned business.
- Location: 128 E Hampton Rd, Marlborough, CT
VFW Post 9460 Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM Free event open to the public at Boothe Memorial Park. Includes a Nut-Free area.
- Location: 5800 Main St, Stratford, CT
20th Annual Run For Veterans (10K/5K)
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | Check-in 8:00 AM Support VFW Post 7666 fundraising programs at this USATF-certified race.
- Location: Martin-Bishop Memorial Field, Guilford, CT
- Registration: Online only at RunSignUp
Thursday 19 March 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar on ctvetsbulletin.org for Saturday, 21 March 2026
Events are in order by date
“In the Shadow of Suribachi: Sammy’s Story”
World War II Legacy Foundation Presents:
“In the Shadow of Suribachi: Sammy’s Story”
Saturday, March 21, 2026
3:00p.m.
Join us in commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. This outstanding film by Joseph Conforti tells the story of Samuel Bernstein, a Marine who served in World War II.
Sammy, a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, tells in his own words, his tale of two battles. The first is his 36 days of hell on Iwo Jima and the second being a Jew during WWII in the Marine Corps.
Visit the Battle of Iwo Jima Museum and have a Tootsie Roll in memory of Sammy Bernstein.
Questions? Call Gary Roy at (860) 810-8736
Hosted by: World War II Legacy Foundation Museum
(860) 810-8736
Location: 102 Pitkin Street. East Hartford, CT 06108
Karaoke Night With Ed and Diana
Karaoke Night With Ed and Diana
Saturday
March 21, 2026
8PM
JOIN US FOR A FUN EVENING WITH ED AND DIANA
Hosted by: American Legion Post 68
(860) 828-9102
Location: 154 Porters Pass, Kensington, CT 06037
CTDVA Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Coffee Social
CTDVA Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Coffee Social
VETERANS COFFEE HOUSE
Join Us for a Special
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Coffee Social
Date: Friday, March 27th
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
No RSVP Needed
Gather with fellow veterans, share stories and enjoy coffee and light refreshments in a supportive community.
CONNECTICUT VETERANS AFFAIRS
Hosted by:
(860) 616-3600
Location: Gold Star Memorial Auditorium, 287 West Street,
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
American Infidels VMC Veterans Night
American Infidels VMC Veterans Night
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 @5:00
COME NETWORK WITH FELLOW VETERANS, AND TALK TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH WHAT YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH. IGY6
The weather God’s will bless us with some sunshine on this evening. Join us and let’s try to make the best of March. March sucks for us as a motorcycle club. Definitely down for some good vibes.See you there!!
Hosted by: American Infidels VMC
Location:
40 Franklin St,
Norwich, CT 06360
American Legion Post 197 Karaoke Night
American Legion Post 197 Karaoke Night
MARCH 27TH
8PM TO 11PM
NEW SHOW!
KARAOKE
NIGHT!
Presented By: Rock The Mic Entertainment, LLC,
A Veteran Owned Business
Hosted by: American Legion Post 197
(860) 295-7810
Location:
128 E Hampton Rd, Marlborough, CT 06447
VFW Post 9460 Annual Easter Egg Hunt
VFW Post 9460 Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 2026 10:00AM
It’s that time of year again…the VFW Post 9460 is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Boothe Memorial Park. Bring your kids, your grandkids, nieces and nephews to hunt for eggs and load up on candy! This event is free and open to everyone, not just our members. Come down, have fun and meet the Easter Bunny! Rain Date March 29 , 2026. “Nut Free Area Available.
Hosted By: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 (203) 377-0214
Location: Boothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614
Waterford VFW Post 6573 Easter Egg Hunt
Waterford VFW Post 6573 Easter Egg Hunt
EASTER EGG HUNT
At the Waterford VFW Post 6573 Sunday, March 29th From 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sign up your kids at the canteen to attend.
Egg hunt for ages 2-9.
Baskets for the kids & fun for all!
Hosted by:
(860) 443-0442
Location:
382 Boston Post Rd,
Waterford, CT 06385
The American Legion, Department of Connecticut National Commander’s Dinner
The American Legion, Department of Connecticut National Commander’s Dinner
Thursday, April 09, 2026
Cash Bar Social: 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:45 PM
Honoring Dan K Wiley
$40.00 pp
Menu:
Appetizers: Antipasto Platter & Shrimp Cocktail
Main Course: Prime Rib, Roasted Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, salad, Rolls, bread & butter, coffee, and dessert.
Make checks payable to: The American Legion Dept. of CT
Deadline for dinner reservations: April 2, 2026
Dinner reservations to: The American Legion, Dept. of Connecticut
National Commander’s Banquet Attn: Charles Berry, Treasurer 864 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114
Check enclosed in the amount of
($320.00 for table of 8) **NOTE** Max seating is 150 people
Hosted by: American Legion Department of Connecticut
(860) 224-8111
Location: American Legion Tanguay-Magill Post 80
566 Enfield St.
Enfield, CT 06082
American Legion Post 68 Game Night
Next Recurrence 10 April 2026
American Legion Post 68 Game Night
SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 5:30 PM
BRING A SNACK TO SHARE!
BRING YOUR QUARTERS FOR LEFT RIGHT CENTER!
GOOD TIMES & LOTS OF LAUGHS!
CONTACT MO FOR QUESTIONS:
TEXT 860-268-8969
Hosted by: American Legion Post 68 Berlin
(860) 828-9102
Location: 154 Porters Pass, Kensington, CT 06037
7th Annual Patriots’ Day Celebration
7th Annual Patriots’ Day Celebration
April 24, 2026 at 5:30pm
Veterans Strong Community Center is honored to partner with the Wernicki Family on what we hope will become a long-standing tradition in Bristol!
Buffet dinner is part of our ceremony. $25 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. They can be purchased online or via cash/Check at Veterans Strong Community Center. Tickets MUST be purchased by April 16th.
Buy Tickets Now: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/patriots-day-dinner-and-ceremony–2026
Hosted by: Veterans Strong Community Center
(860) 584-6257
Location: Bristol Senior Center Cafeteria,
240 Stafford Ave.
Bristol, CT 06010
20th Annual Run For Veterans
20th Annual Run For Veterans
Annual running event to support the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7666 fundraising programs. Please join us and support a great local cause!
Run For Veterans offers you the choice to take part in either the 10k or 5K races with both routes certified with the USATF.
- 10K – CT14006JHP
- 5K – CT16023JHP
Race Schedule:
Registration shall be available online only and shall be accessible until 09:45 am on April 26, 2026.
Race day check in shall open at 08:00 am on April 26, 2026
- 10K race start – 10:00 am
- 5K race start – 10:15 am
Entry Fees
Individual entry for either event is:
Before March 7 just $30
Before April 20 $35
Thereafter $40
Note: Entry fees include payment processing fees
Registration for Run For Veterans is only accepted online including on race day. If possible, please complete your registration before coming to the race.
On arrival, all registered entrants must check in before the start to collect their race number.
Hosted by: VFW Post 7666
(203) 453-9252
Location: Martin-Bishop Memorial Field,
111 Long Hill Rd,
Guilford, CT 06437
American Legion Post 20 Tag and Craft Sale
American Legion Post 20 Tag and Craft Sale
Saturday May 2, 2026
RAIN OR SHINE Set up 10am Sale 11am-3pm
Sign up sheet will be available on sat. 14 March 2026.
Any questions message Patty Engle Looking for people who want to sell there item & crafters .
4-18-26 DEADLINE ΤΟ SIGN UP
Buy a table for $15.00, Additional Tables $5.00
Hosted by: American Legion Post 20 Terryville
(860) 584-9119
Location: 245 Main St. Terryville, CT 06786
Clean Up At The V
Clean Up At The V
SATURDAY
May 23, 2026 9AM
Join us for a morning of service at the Vietnam War Memorial — Long Wharf Drive — New Haven, CT
Join us for a morning of service at the Vietnam War Memorial — Long Wharf Drive — New Haven, CT.
Materials will be provided by the New Haven Public Works Department. Please bring your work gloves, shovels, brooms and gas or battery powered blowers or trimmers.
Hosted by:
(203) 443-1643
Location: Vietnam War Memorial — Long Wharf Drive — New Haven, CT.
Forestville Memorial Day Parade
Forestville Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 24, 2026
1:30PM
Rain Date Monday, May 25, 2026 1:30PM
As we prepare for this year’s Memorial Day parade, we are now accepting applications to be a part of this historical event. If you wish to be a part of this Parade, please contact us with the Parade Entry Form Thank you.
The procession begins with ceremonies at Quinlan Memorial Park and follows this general path:
- Start: Forestville Center/Quinlan Memorial Park.
- Path:
- Continues up Church Avenue.
- Turns down Washington Street.
- Returns via Central Street to the starting area.
- End: Disbands back in Forestville Center.
Sponsored by: American Legion Post 209 Forestville
(860) 384-5626
Location: Begins at
Broad St, Bristol, CT 06010
Watertown – Oakville Memorial Day Parade
Watertown – Oakville Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026
Step-Off: 10:00 AM
Join us for the Annual Memorial Day Parade as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The parade will step off promptly at 10:00 AM from the Watertown Plaza parking lot and will travel to the Watertown Green this year.
Community members, families, and local organizations are encouraged to attend and show their support as we pay tribute on this important day.
Ceremony to follow.
Hosted by: Watertown CT Parks and recreation
(860) 945-5246
Location:
Begins at Watertown Plaza Lot,
1167 Main St, Watertown, CT
& Ends at Watertown Green
2026 Heroes Gala Paws, Hoofs And Hope
2026 Heroes Gala Paws, Hoofs And Hope
Saturday,
June 13, 2026
6:00PM
✨ It’s back! 🐾🐴
Our 2nd Annual Heroes Gala: Paws, Hooves & Hope returns on June 13, 2026 at the beautiful Waterview in Monroe, CT.
Mark your calendars — this unforgettable evening of celebration and support is one you won’t want to miss!
#PawsHoovesAndHope #HeroesGala #Veterans #ServiceDogs #EquineTherapy #SupportOurHeroes #VeteransK9EquineAlliance
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-heroes-gala-paws-hooves-and-hope?
Hosted by: Veterans K9Equine Alliance
(203) 617-5494
Location: The Water View, 215 Roosevelt Drive
Rte 34 Monroe, CT 06468
Veterans Are Heroes Forever Flag Day Car & Motorcycle Show
Veterans Are Heroes Forever Flag Day Car & Motorcycle Show
Sunday
June 14th, 2026
Show Vehicles Can Arrive at 8:30 AM
Gates Open 10 AM-3 PM
Free Admission
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary!
Classic Cars & Motorcycles
Trophies & Awards
Music & Veterans Ceremony
Food & Refreshments
Honoring All Who Served!
Hosted by:
(203) 509-3994
Location: Tyrrell Middle School
500 Todd Rd, Wolcott, CT 06716
ANNUAL FREEDOM ISN’T FREE RIDE
ANNUAL FREEDOM ISN’T FREE RIDE
Saturday 1st Of August
2026
Registration 10:30 – 11:30 Invocation 11:30
Kick stands up immediately following
Start point: St. Pius X Church 834 Brookside Dr. Fairfield, CT Coffee and pastries provided
End point: Left Field Sports Bar, 458 River Rd Shelton, CT Music, lunch, raffles, t-shirts and patches for sale
Rider $25, passenger $15
Hosted by:
(475) 225-9694
Location:
Start point:
834 Brookside Dr,
Fairfield, CT 06824
End Point:
458 River Rd,
Shelton, CT 06484