An event to help aid homeless veterans is coming to Shelton
Written by Kate Czaplinski, Herald Editor
Friday, 17 February 2012 15:38
Plans are under way for an event coming to Shelton this spring, aimed a giving a long overdue “welcome home” to Vietnam veterans, while raising money for homeless vets.
The Connecticut Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day will be in Shelton’s Veterans Memorial Park May 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s an event with music, vendors, food, and more to honor veterans and support those who have fallen on tough times.
While plans are still being made, fund raising has already started, and residents can help support the effort.
Shelton’s John Francino-Quinn, who also serves as an elected member of the Shelton Board of Education, is a member of the event planning committee.
“We were looking for a larger venue than we had last year,” Francino-Quinn said. “Considering the fact that I live here, I know folks here in Shelton are certainly very open this kind of event and patriotic.”
A portion of money raised during the welcome home event is supporting the Vet Hunters Project, a nonprofit organization with the goal of ending homelessness among veterans and families by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.
The overall purpose of the day is to recognize the men and women who served during Vietnam and weren’t always given a warm welcome back home because of the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War.
“This is part of the healing process for Vietnam veterans,” Francino-Quinn said, “to give them a pat on the back and say, ‘Welcome home, brother.’”
Last year’s event drew about 2,000 people. Plans are still in the works, but the all-day event will feature custom cars and motorcycles, craft vendors, and live music. Francino-Quinn is asking local Shelton businesses to get involved, donating food and more.
How it began
In 2004, Jose Ramos, a Vietnam medic, rode his bicycle from Whittier, Calif., to Washington, D.C., to campaign for a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” He also sent some 10,000 postcards to Congress and President Bush asking that March 30 be declared the official “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” In 2008, California became the first state to recognize the day, and Connecticut was the second state to follow, according to Francino-Quinn. The first Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day was held last year.
How to help
To donate to the Welcome Home organization and the Vet Hunters Project, visit ctwhvvd.com. Information about a February 25 fund-raiser dinner is also available at the website. Local businesses interested in getting involved may learn more at the site or by contacting info@ctwhvvd.org.
See the Herald's opinion on this event by clicking here.
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