File Photo: Veterans march in a past parade in Milford.
Milford’s 375th Anniversary Committee will host Red, White and Blues: A Salute to Veteran’s on Nov. 8 at Lisman’s Landing from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., culminating with a fireworks display over the harbor.
The day will be filled with thanks and celebration for those who have served.
The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with Mayor Ben Blake leading the Living Veterans Scroll. Every 30 minutes, members of the community will recite names of living veterans and share a personal story. These names will scroll throughout the day for all to see.
“The day is meant to honor those who have served, have a ton of fun, give back to those in need, and kick off the parade on Sunday,” said Committee Chair Bob Gregory.
The Storehouse Food Pantry of Milford, in partnership with The Connecticut Food Bank, will collect non-perishable food items throughout the day to provide to veterans and others in need in the Milford area.
A recent study by Feeding America showed that 620,000 households that include at least one soldier, reservist or guardsman — or 25% of the nation’s total active duty and reserve personnel — are seeking aid from food pantries and other charitable programs across the country, city officials said.
Food trucks will be available starting at noon, including Caseus Cheese Truck, Fryborg, Lobstercraft, Lil NoRA Cupcake Truck, and Firehouse Grill, while beverages will be available through Two Roads Brewery.
Musical entertainment will be provided by local blues bands, Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts and Mike Law and the Playboys.
Kid-centered activities will include Touch-a-Truck with a military vehicle courtesy of Troy Lagasse, as well as Americana face painting by Jammie the Gentle Clown.
A cornhole tournament, coordinated by the City of Milford Recreation Department, will be held at noon for every age and families — registration is open on the Milford City website.
The Milford Elks will hold a Salute to Veterans Concert simultaneously at the Elks Lodge a short distance from Lisman’s Landing starting at 4 p.m. There will be chowder and chili along with hot dogs, hamburgers and more. Beer, wine, soda and water will be sold.
Live music in the lodge and in the parking lot will start at 5 p.m., featuring The Navels and The Vybrations.
Admission is free.
For more details on any of the events visit milfordct375.org or call 203-783-3230.