New London To Host First Annual Veteran Appreciation Day

From the City of New London:

NEW LONDON, CT — The City of New London, Ocean Beach Park and the New London Veterans Affairs Advisory committee are pleased to announce the First Annual Veteran Appreciation Day at Ocean Beach Park on Aug. 18.

According to a news release, this is an all-day event for U. S military Veterans and Active Duty personnel and their families to enjoy the beach, be honored and thanked for their service and have some “fun in the sun.”

Veterans and active duty military personnel and their families will be provided free admission and parking to the beach. Acceptable forms of ID are Active Duty Military ID card, VA or Military Medical ID card, Retired Military ID card, VA or Military Disability ID card or a DD-214.

One of the highlights planned for the day will be the annual U.S. Coast Guard SWAB Run with 200 cadets running in formation along Pequot Avenue to Ocean Beach. Running with the cadet class of 2022 will be RADM James Rendon, 41 st Superintendent U.S. Coast Guard Academy and New London Mayor Michael Passero.

The cadets will arrive at the beach for a brief program that begins at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk during which RADM Rendon will introduce the class to the public.

LT Governor Nancy Wyman, U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, Mayor Michael Passero, RADM James Rendon, Executive Officer and Lieutenant Commander Christian Beisel from the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London will address the public.

During this program a Military Medal Awards Ceremony for those veterans who served during a war-time period will be conducted. The medal ceremony will include Korean Ambassador medal, Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal and Vietnam lapel pin.

It is expected the LT. Governor Wyman, Congressman Courtney and Ryan McKenna from the Connecticut Department of Veteran will present the medals to the qualified recipients.

Immediately following the ceremony, the 102 CT ARMY-NG Jazz band will entertain on the boardwalk for the listening and dancing pleasure.

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