Current members, veterans from across state attend Salute to the Armed Forces at Dodd Stadium
By LIZ MUGAVERO
Norwich Bulletin


NORWICH -- From Young Marines to three-time war veterans, members of the military from across the state turned out Saturday at Dodd Stadium for the Salute to the Armed Forces.

The event, originally slated for June 9, but postponed because of rain, welcomed blue skies, sun and a lot of enthusiastic visitors.

"We're disappointed the previous date was canceled, but this turned into a terrific event today," Defenders General Manager Charlie Dowd said. "We have good weather, and this is a great opportunity to show the region all the good going on in Norwich."

The afternoon began with a picnic for members of the military and their families. A live band played a mix of songs as everyone waited for the opening pitch of this year's first televised Defenders game.

Before the game, a parade with colors representing each military branch marched onto the field. Fireworks also were scheduled.

Billee Culin, president of the state Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America in Simsbury, said it was a fun day.

"It's a good way to reach out to older and younger veterans and veterans to be," she said.

It was a night of firsts for Tyrone Limos, attending submarine school at the Groton Submarine Base -- his first event honoring military personnel as well as his first baseball game.

"It's just nice to be out enjoying time away from the base," said Limos, who recently arrived from Maryland. "It's nice to be here for this event."

Michael Medbed is one of a select few Navy veterans who served in three wars. A veteran of World War II, Korean and Vietnam, Medbed came from the Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill to throw one of the first pitches of the game against the New Britain Rock Cats.

Formerly of Norwich, Medbed said it was his first visit to Dodd Stadium.

"It's a nice event for vets," he said. "I've been practicing my pitching."

Dowd said about 5,000 people were expected throughout the evening and for the game.

Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veteran's Affairs Linda Schwartz said it was exciting to see so many people.

"I don't think people realize one in five people in our state are veterans," the Vietnam veteran said. "This is a wonderful gesture. It reminds you no matter when you served or what service you were in, you know what it means to be on duty for this country.

"And the older vets have inspired the younger generations to do the same," she added.

Reach Liz Mugavero at 425-4218 or lmugavero@norwichbulletin.com

Ellie