Connecticut Legionnaires help create historical trail as part of new foundation marking America’s 250th birthday.
Feeling a lack of veteran inclusion in the primary America 250 plans of the state of Connecticut, its American Legion department has played a major role in building a nonprofit dedicated to highlighting veterans’ historical contributions to the state.
The Connecticut Veterans Foundation/CTVets250 was established by Department Commander Mike Kellett, the VFW’s state commander and “a small, dedicated coalition of Connecticut veterans,” according to John Ryan, a member of that coalition and of Seicheprey Post 2 in Bristol. All are Legionnaires (and some also members of the VFW), located across the state. Christine Pittsley, co-founder of the foundation, is a member of Post 210 in New Haven; the semiquincentennial was already on her mind through her day job at a museum.
The biggest project the foundation has taken on is the Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail, a network of 15 sites that includes museums, state parks and even entire towns. The “trail” is GPS-based; visitors can check in and learn about a site’s history while earning points and rewards. Those who complete the trail will earn a Cranky Yankee badge and gear. “It has become a meaningful and engaging way to connect residents and visitors with Connecticut’s military heritage,” Ryan says, but the coalition is also telling the stories of post-Revolutionary veterans.
Other initiatives include a link to the main Connecticut 250 calendar; a Veterans Memory Project and Wall of Honor that will soon begin taking submissions; public programming both in-person and on TV; and involvement in the primary Connecticut July 4 celebration, the Hartford Bonanza.
Learn more at ctvets250.org.
By National Executive Committee resolution, American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at america250.org/our-partners/state-and-territory-commissions. Share your stories of involvement on Legiontown, and send details of your post or department events to magazine@legion.org.
- USA250