Bridgeport Honors Veterans With Flag-Raising Ceremony, Community Service Award

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport marked Veterans Day with a flag-raising ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a ceremony at Col. Mucci Memorial Plaza at McLevy Hall honoring members of the U.S. armed forces.

The annual event was organized by the Veterans Council of Greater Bridgeport and the Combined Veterans Organizations of All United States Wars.

During the ceremony, Marvin Albright, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and commander of American Legion Post 140, received the Stephen Koteles Memorial Award for community service.

The event's principal speaker was Alison Weir, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and executive director of the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center.

"Serving our country is one of the most selfless acts an American can make, and we are forever grateful to those who answer the call to serve," Mayor Joe Ganim said.

Ganim said the city's commitment to veterans extends beyond the annual observance, citing the work of Cindy Anderson and Bridgeport's Veterans Affairs Office.

City Council President Jeanette Herron also recognized the contributions of local veterans.

"Here in Bridgeport, we are proud of our veterans and remain committed to ensuring they receive the respect, support, and resources they deserve," Herron said.

Anderson, the city's director of veteran affairs, said the annual ceremonies hold particular significance for the veterans her office serves.

"They remind our veterans that their service is valued, their sacrifices are remembered, and their community continues to stand behind them," Anderson said.

The city also acknowledged Col. Thomas L. Kanasky Jr., president of the Veterans Council of Greater Bridgeport, and the local veterans organizations that participated in the event.

Participating organizations included American Legion Posts 11, 140 and 177; National Association of Naval Veterans Port 5; Marine Corps League Detachment 654; Catholic War Veterans Post 1466; and Polish Army Veterans Post 24.

Year-Round Services Available To Bridgeport Veterans

Bridgeport's Veterans Affairs Office provides assistance to veterans and their families throughout the year.

Services include free shuttle transportation for Bridgeport veterans and their spouses to the VA hospital in West Haven, a food pantry and educational programs addressing housing, employment, health and wellness, and substance use.

The office is located at 20 Thorme St. in Bridgeport.

Veterans seeking information about available services or transportation assistance can contact the Veterans Affairs Office at 203-576-8384 or visit Veterans Affairs | City of Bridgeport.