For the upcoming Veterans day, I am very grateful for what our men and women sacrifice for our country. We may be celebrating them, but I’m thankful for them every day all year long!
What can we do to support our veterans?
Attend local events.
Donate to charities/projects.
Volunteer.
Support veterans owned businesses.
Here’s how you can supports the Veterans in Mystic + nearby:
Mystic VFW is hosting their annual 11am ceremony on Veterans Day at the WWI Monument on Baptist Hill (Library Street + West Main Street). Anyone is welcome to attend.
The WWI Monument in Mystic on Library Street and West Main Street.
USSIV Groton Subvets hosts ceremonies on Veterans Day. They also make lunches/brunches at their clubhouse. Be sure to check out the events and more information at their website here.
The Town of Stonington & VFW in Pawcatuck built the Veterans Monument to honor Stonington veterans. Th public is welcome to go there and see it. It is located in front of the Stonington Police Department.
When the community helped to donate for the Stonington Veterans Monument.
Dine at S&P Oyster in Mystic, CT on Veterans Day. Twenty percent of all sales that day will be donated towards Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is a non profit organization based next door in Rhode Island. They focuses on helping veterans to find housing and services. If you are in Rhode Island, you can volunteer for the organization. You can also donate to them on their website here. Sometimes Operation Stand Down RI host local events.
V.E.T.S. (Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services) based in Ledyard, CT, provides equine-assisted healing therapeutic services for veterans. It is a place for veterans to engage with horses and do activities such as archery, wood crafting, etc. If you donate to them on the website here, it will help veterans to participate at no charge. Also on the website, under ‘programs’ you can see what volunteer opportunities are available on the horse farm.
Submarine Museum in Groton, CT. You can donate your time and become a docent for the museum. More information here on how to volunteer. You can also donate or support via shopping their store online here. The museum is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy.
Mystic River Chocolate Cafe, owned by a 3rd generation Navy veteran, they sell a variety of chocolate treats and drinks. I love picking up a few chocolate bars from there! I love their hot chocolate, it is delicious and rich! Located in the Factory Square but available online here too.
Mystic River Chocolate Cafe.
Absolute Bearing is an online coffee company based in Mystic, owned by a Navy veteran. During the summers, you can find them at farmers markets. Shop online here.
Absolute Bearing coffee.
Mystic Army Navy is a long time Downtown Mystic business (28 years!). It was originally owned by two Veterans who have since passed away, it is currently owned by one of their daughters. Support this veteran-family owned business who sells military surplus! Shop online here.
Mystic Army Navy store in Downtown Mystic.
13 Stars Hot Sauce based out of RI is Veteran-owned. A portion of their profits are donated towards Veterans & First Responders causes. The hot sauce can be found at McQuade’s in Mystic, CT. Their products are available to order online here.
Some of 13 Stars hot sauces at McQuade’s store in Mystic.
Support Veterans out of area:
Climb-4 is an online charity founded by a veteran, Leslie (a wonderful person who I’ve got to know via Instagram and she’s also a Dalmatian mama!!). Climb-4 strives to help fight depression and PTSD by allowing veterans the opportunity to get outdoors. Donate towards the costs of the essential gears for veterans here.
Got Your Six Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee company. The profits from their sales goes back in helping Veterans and first responders. They have strong passion in helping other veterans, with goals to eliminate veteran homelessness/suicides. Get your coffee, apparel or others here.
America’s Vet Dogs is an organization providing service dogs for Veterans and first responders. All services are provided at no charge for Veterans. If you recall President George H.W. Bush’s service dog, Sully came from this organization. Donate here at their website. Also on the website are apparel, accessories and products in the shop.
THANK YOU VETERANS,
I am grateful for each and every one of you EVERY DAY.
Land of the free, home of the brave!
