Special to the Town Crier

The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam is once again remembering veterans with a Veterans Remembrance Program and Celebrity Bartender event at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11.  According to Post Commander Ron Coderre, the program will honor two veterans who will be the special guests of honor.

Last year Post #13 honored WWII veterans Armand Jolly, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Robert Clemens, a U.S. Marine Corps vet, in a very moving and emotional ceremony.

Through the efforts of American Legion Post # 13 Commander Coderre and the members of the unit, Putnam area veterans will be celebrated at Celebrity Bartender Night.  This is the fifth year that the Post has held the event.  Last year the evening raised more than $4,000 in support of Post #13 youth activities, such as Boys State, State Police Youth Leadership Program, Americanism programs in local schools and the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program.  The Post also supports the Home At Last Campaign for homeless veterans and last year initiated a scholarship for a local graduating high school senior.

“The evening is our way of thanking all veterans from northeastern Connecticut who’ve ever served our country.  We’re also proud of the opportunity to pause and honor local veterans who, in a special way were part of our proud military heritage,” said Commander Coderre.

“The Celebrity Bartender portion of the evening allows us to raise funds for the youth activities associated with the American Legion programs. We’re thankful for the local and statewide celebrities who take timeout of their busy schedules to make this night a success,” he added.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. and concludes at 9.  Former Boston Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois, WFSB Channel 3 news personality Kevin Hogan and other noted celebrities are scheduled to be on hand once again to greet and serve patrons.  Also scheduled to take turns behind the bar are local radio personality Gary “O” of WINY Radio, Killingly Town Manager Sean Hendricks, Laura Crosetti, Jeff Bousquet, and former Commander Barney Seney.  Other local personalities are expected to join in the evening’s festivities.

“Last year’s event was a huge success.  We’re hoping that people will once again see the worthiness of the event and drop by to salute our honored veterans and other veterans who may be on hand.” said Coderre.

Prior to honoring the veterans, U.S. Air Force veteran Maurice “Moe” Coderre will offer a rendition of the National Anthem.  Local celebrity and noted performer Linda Colangelo will close the evening’s festivities with the singing of God Bless America and a special tribute to the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“J.D. Cooper’s is honored to host this event for the veterans.  Having celebrities on hand will certainly add luster to the festivities.  This is a special day and a special event.  We’re hoping to have a good turnout in honor of the men and women who have served and defended our freedom,” said G. David Landry of J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant.

The program will also feature a drawing of more than 50 items and an auction that will include autographed sports memorabilia, tickets to college and professional games, golf packages and some other significant items. Working with Coderre on the organizing committee are Legionnaires, Donald Steinbrick, Marc Coderre, Barney Seney, Alan Joslin and Eric Quinn.

 

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