On May 16, two members of American Legion Post 2, both World War II veterans from Bristol, took part in the Armed Forces Day held at the Southington Mission BBQ on Queen Street. The annual event was organized by Summer Vitanza and restaurant employees of.
Joe Caminiti and Jim Cleveland were two of the three World War II veterans who attended; there were many other veterans from other wars and conflicts on hand for the event. A few months back Joe returned from Iwoto, Japan, where he took part in the Reunion of Honor ceremony with the prime minister of Japan.
The Armed Forces Day event was held outside with static displays, until the rain cut it short.
On hand were members of the Marine Corps, Army, Berlin Fire Department and military vehicle collectors, who all had equipment on display. They were there to remember our servicemembers.
The Connecticut Department of Corrections supplied the honor guard and band for the event, who led off the ceremony. The national anthem was sung. The rain forced all inside as the ceremony ended.
Sandwiches and meals were given to the veterans who attended free of charge by the employees of Mission BBQ.
The three World War II veterans were also to be honored on May 19 at the State Armory in Hartford as part of "Living World War II Veterans Recognition Day."