Inscribed in the V-shaped memorial are the names of fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War from New Haven, West Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Orange, Woodbridge, and Hamden.
Conley Monk, Alder Angel Hubbard, and Garry Monk huddled for pictures after the event.
Tuesday’s frigid winds weren’t enough to stop dozens from gathering by Long Wharf to honor the city’s veterans.
They huddled beside the Vietnam Memorial for a Veterans Day ceremony organized by the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress (NVCLR), a Dixwell-based nonprofit that provides support services for veterans, particularly for those with less-than-honorable discharges.
Addressing a shivering crowd of 30 veterans and their families, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal declared, “I don’t think there is a more lively, spirited, and cold group.”
The annual Veterans Day event featured patriotic songs from PhoenixFire Divaa, Doron Flake, and the Hillhouse High School marching band, as well as a JROTC color guard procession. A slate of city and state officials joined the ceremony, including Blumenthal, Mayor Justin Elicker, State Rep. Steve Winter, and Alders Angel Hubbard, Evelyn Rodriguez, Carmen Rodriguez, and Jeanette Morrison.
NVCLR Executive Director Garry Monk presented V-shaped awards to Elicker, Morrison, and Cindy Anderson, the director of Bridgeport Veterans Affairs, for their veterans advocacy. As he handed them over, Monk said, “We want you not to put this in your closet. We want you to put it on your desk,” as a reminder of the work still needed to secure jobs, homes, and healthcare for every veteran.
“We love you, Cindy!” a veteran shouted from the crowd, sparking a cheerful chant of “Cindy, Cindy, Cindy!”
“Thank you to our veterans for fighting for our country,” said Elicker. “It is our duty as citizens not only today to thank our veterans, but every day to fight in our own way to protect our democracy.” He urged New Haveners to “practice voting” and “fight for press freedom,” a right he argued is being attacked by “leadership in Washington.”
Later in his remarks, Elicker said the city remains “committed” to a housing initiative with the NVCLR.
Back in January 2024, the NVCLR proposed redeveloping a sliver lot on Davenport Avenue into four single-family homes for vets. And in July 2024, as part of a separate housing project, the Board of Alders signed off on selling them the rundown, grandiose building at 596-598 George Street for $6,000.
After the ceremony, Monk told the Independent that he wouldn’t be able to share details about the housing initiatives, but emphasized that both processes are “ongoing.”
He also said that he and NVCLR co-founder Conley Monk are still working to create a second monument behind Long Wharf’s V, one featuring the names of all living Vietnam War vets from West Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Orange, Woodbridge, and Hamden.
Towards the end of Tuesday’s event, Kennedy James, a daughter of an army veteran and child of the American Revolution, played “God Bless America” on her flute. Following a raucous round of applause, Monk closed the event, promising “warmer weather next year.”
In a quiet moment, Kevin Sanders, Mayor Justin Elicker, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal laid down a wreath at the V to honor the Vietnam War dead.
Rocking back and forth to the beat, the Hillhouse marching band played patriotic music before the ceremony.