Windham Region Chamber of Commerce

Spotlight

by

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR DAY-A TRIBUTE

Today is National Vietnam War Day. The Windham Region Military Service Council and the Windham Region Veterans Coffee House wish to thank all of our brave soldiers that fought during the Vietnam Era to secure our freedoms, our families and our way of life. We recognize your supreme sacrifice and thank you for every minute you put your life at risk for us, and we thank you for all that you have endured since your service.
Although we cannot change the way you were treated when you returned home from battle, we can acknowledge that those who did not salute you were wrong, lost in their selfishness. It was YOU who gave all, SELFLESSLY, courageously, for love of your country and all those who live here. Today we acknowledge YOU, your bravery, your selflessness, your will and determination to create wonderful lives after your sacrifice to our nation. And we say THANK YOU and May God Bless You.
For those of you who wish to know the history of this day please read below. President Trump signed legislation last year officially created this day to recognize and thank our Vietnam War soldiers. Take a moment to thank them.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
This special day joins six other military-centric annual observances codified in Title 4 of the United States Code §6 (i.e., Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Navy Day, Veterans Day).
March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are more than 6 million U.S. Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with 9 million families of those who served during this timeframe.
We make no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve and none could self-determine where they would serve.
Additional Background: U.S. involvement in Vietnam started slowly with an initial deployment of advisors in the early 1950s, grew incrementally through the early 1960s and expanded with the deployment of full combat units in July 1965. The last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam in April 1975.
This national commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by the President to thank and honor our Nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
In 2007, the 110th Congress incorporated language in House of Representatives (H.R.) 4986 authorizing the secretary of defense to conduct a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
H.R. 4986 was signed into law as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2008 by 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush on January 28, 2008.
Congress outlined a total of five objectives for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, with the primary objective being to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action.
The four remaining objectives highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war; pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens; highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war; and recognize contributions by our Allies.
By Presidential Proclamation, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
The Windham Region Military Service Council is an official Commemoration Partner. As such we have the ability to formally thank our veterans and “pin” them with a special war pin honoring their service. Last year we held two events, Oct 2 and Nov 11. This year we will recognize our Vietnam Era Veterans with two additional official ceremonies on May 15 and Oct 2 at Jillson Square/Shaboo Stage. If you are a Vietnam Era Veterans or any family member, or anyone wishing to join us in this honor, please save these dates. More information about registration will be coming.
Please take a moment to watch this tribute…..

by

Windham Club

Born in 1922 as an exclusive private country club, the Windham Club has been restored and opened to the public. Set on 120 acres of lovely parkland, our facility boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, two restaurants, and extraordinary indoor-outdoor spaces for banquets and events of any size.

Turning a venerable but fading landmark into a modern and festive facility required combining a sense of tradition with a drive for innovation. Working with original steel beams uncovered during our work, and new ones added later, we combined a sense of traditional New England industrialism in the space with the clean lines and well-lit spaces that define a modern sensibility. To take advantage of our half-mile views, we built a 2000 sq ft deck and surrounded it with cedar
and steel rebar railings. Those railings support our “infinity tables” — “tables for two with a view”. Inside we combined seasonal colors with three chandeliers comprised of flying glass shards to create a dynamic look, and added a festive, almost Caribbean bar, just for fun.

Whether it is Chef Dennis Anderson’s novel New American Cuisine, the innovative architectural features of our clubhouse, or the classic design and conditioning of our golf course, you can expect the best at the Windham Club.

184 Club Road,
North Windham, CT 06256
(860) 456 – 4211
Visit The Windham Club Website

by

Willimantic Brewing Company

If You Like Fresh Beer & Enjoy Good Food…

The Willimantic Brewing Co./Main Street Café is a living
landmark restaurant & pub brewery located in Willimantic, in the heart of rural northeastern Connecticut. Located at 967 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226 at the corner of Main Street & High Street in downtown Willimantic, Connecticut

Our original Main Street Café was founded in 1991, and began operations as a small deli in the old Capitol Theatre building on Main Street in Willimantic, CT. Occupying both the lobby and concession area of the theatre, seating was limited to 50 people. After 3 years we were bursting at the seams and made the move to 877 Main Street, another historic building. There we expanded to a full service restaurant and featured American craft-brewed beers and an extensive menu.

One more move was in the cards for us, and we made yet another trek down Main Street to our home in the current granite and limestone 1909 U.S. Post Office Building. Abandoned in 1967 by the Federal Government this building lay vacant for nearly 30 years. When used as a post office, our dining room was the post office work room, our pub was the customer lobby, and the private dining room was the Postmaster‘s office. Although extensive renovations have been made to the building, we wanted to retain the early 20th century architecture as well as create a pleasant atmosphere for dining. Remnants of post office memorabilia have been preserved to add to the flavor of the restaurant. Featured in our dining room is a 12‘ by 17‘ mural, created by Gordan MacDonald, depicting 1920‘s Main Street scene. A 60‘ mahogany bar, crafted by Peter Huckins is the centerpiece of the pub area.

It is in this building that the Willimantic Brewing Company was born. Viewed from our Dining Room, our 7 barrel brewery produces our freshly made handcrafted beers. Please feel free to explore our main floor and discover all our hidden treasures. On behalf of our entire staff, we welcome you and hope you share in our excitement for our living landmark restaurant and pub brewery.

967 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone:(860) 423-6777
Visit The Willimantic Brewing Co Website