Elks to Host Public Ceremony at Shore Line Trolley Museum

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, guards 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, Shore Line Trolley Museum, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy have been extremely supportive as have been others” according to event organizer John Soehnlein. Veterans who wish to participate in any of the daily events should Call John at 203-214-7553.

In the week-long program there are opportunities for the public to show their support and offer their thanks. In the Branford, East Haven area there will be a ceremony at the Shore Line Trolley Museum located at 17 River Street East Haven. The Museum is hosting members of the Wounded Warrior Project Annual Reunion as well as the OIF/OEF Veterans. The ceremony will take place on Thursday June 23rd. The veterans will arrive by trolley at approximately 2:30p.m. after boarding at the Short Beach Station. Proclamations will be read and remarks made by East Haven Mayor April Capone, Branford First Selectman Anthony 'Unk" DaRos and Stanley Welch representing Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. The public is invited to attend and greet the veterans. Following the ceremony the Veterans will be trained as motormen, operating historic trolley cars on the Museum’s century old rail system. After training the Vets will be hosted for dinner at the .

Other activities during the week are designed to be fun, informative and challenging for the veterans. Events include: Rock Cats 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 hosted for dinner throughout the week at local Elks Lodges.