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Politics & Government

Elks & Sub Vets Honor Warriors at Submarine Memorial

Elks & Sub Vets to Host Public Ceremony at Submarine Memorial - East with warriors from Iraq and Afganistan to honor submarine crews who lost their lives in WW2.  The public is invited to attend.

The CT Elks and many public and private organizations are sponsoring a week long program to honor and support Veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project, all Services, Guard and Reserves who have completed tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Events will take place from June 20th to June 25th, culminating in a barbecue and honors program at the Westbrook Elks Lodge. The complete program schedule can be found at www.ctelks.org under “News” and www.westbrookct.us.  “The U.S. Submarine Base New London, The Groton Elks Lodge and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy have been extremely supportive” according to event organizer John Soehnlein.  Veterans who wish to participate should Call John at (203) 214-7553, a few openings exist.

In the week long program there are opportunities for the public to show their support and offer their thanks.  In the Groton/New London area there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the National Submarine Memorial – East, located on Bridge Street in Groton at the intersection with Fairview Ave. and Thames Street.  This will take place on Wed. June 22nd at approximately 2:30 PM.  The public is encouraged to attend.  The Vets will arrive by bus from the Submarine Base where they participated in a detailed program and tour, concluding with a “hoop shoot” with sub school students.  The wreath ceremony has been organized by John Carcioppolo of the U. S. Submarine Veterans Association.  The wreath will be laid by Dr. Linda Schwartz, Conn. Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.  The Keynote Speaker will be Capt. Bruce Derenski, former Commanding Officer of the USS New Hampshire.  Following a stop at General Dynamics, the Vets will be hosted for dinner at the Groton Elks Lodge.

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Other activities during the week are designed to be fun, informative and challenging for the veterans.  Events include: Rockcats and Blue Fish baseball games, salt water fishing derby sponsored by the Branford First Congregational Church, Manes in Motion equestrian program, Sikorsky Aircraft and General Dynamics Electric Boat plant tours, Essex Steam Train visit and operating electric cars at The Shore Line Trolley Museum. The U.S. Submarine Base and U.S. Coast Guard Academy will sponsor tours, hoop shoots with their students, cadets and members of the Connecticut Sun basketball team.  The Vets will be served dinner at local Elks Lodges throughout the week.

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