WESTBROOK, Conn. (WTNH) — Veterans were recognized Friday at events across Connecticut.
Although some schools were closed for Veterans Day, students who were in school learned about the importance of the holiday.
Elementary, middle and high school students honored veterans with songs on the Westbrook Town Green.
“I think overall, we just want to thank them for their courageous service,” said Lily Creelon, a senior at Westbrook High School.
“I feel the same way,” said Dayana Portillo, a senior at Westbrook High School. “I think this is a great way for all schools to come together and honor our veterans.”
News 8 Co-Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
“If we could bottle this and share it across the country, this country would be a better place,” Simmons said.
While Simmons entertained the Westbrook crowd with push-ups, he also talked about the importance of making every day Veterans Day. He thanked them and asked them to talk.
“There’s something terrible happening in this country with veteran suicide, and that one conversation could help them,” Simmons said.
The East Lyme Middle School Service Club also held an event to celebrate Veterans Day.
“You can see it in the panel discussions, interacting with the kids, watching them walk around and serve us, just…the whole experience is special and unique,” said Army National Guard Sgt. . Maj. David Schultz.
“It was really inspiring to hear all of their stories, what they went through as veterans and why they joined,” said East Lyme Middle School Service Club member and seventh grader. said Rachel Knudsen.
The Sweet & Salute event was held Friday at Foxwoods Resort’s Premier Ballroom.
Veterans were offered a VIP suit experience with Save-A-Suit, which provides personal service, suit, and all accessories.
“It’s a huge blessing to receive this, especially when I go to an interview or even when I go to a presentation at my current job,” said Scott Crump, an Army veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2013.
He brought his daughter, Madison, who didn’t have school on Friday.
“I think it’s really great,” she said.
In addition to all the events honoring veterans across the state, Foxwoods Resort and Casino will reintroduce the Veterans Day Parade through the casino’s main concourse on Saturday.