Led by an energetic 91 year-old World War II veteran, Branford's Rotarians put all hands on deck to serve up a big show of gratitude for 44 U.S. military members at Rotary's 2016 Veterans Day Luncheon.

The November 9 event gathered a big crowd of nearly 100 at Branford's Italian-American Club, which donated its hall. Veterans were welcomed with patriotic songs performed by Branford High School (BHS) Music Makers, led by director Cathyann Roding.

Branford Rotary Foundation chairperson Alpha Coiro thanked the Rotary luncheon committee and members who rolled up their sleeves to serve the veterans or simply join in as good company for the day's honored guests. First Selectman James B. Cosgrove was privileged to join the Rotarians in serving lunch to the vets.

Branford-based Foe provided food and catering; pies and ice cream for dessert were donated by Parthenon Diner and Ashley's Ice Cream.  Branford Garden Club supplied table centerpieces and Bardell Printing & Office Supplies contributed program printing. The vets went home with a beautiful cookie arrangement crafted by Rotarian Emily Granelli and the Rotary "Cookie Brigade" and a red rose from Myers Florist. Live musical entertainment also included Rotarian Jack Srebnik and his trio and the Al Daniels "Jug Band" trio.

Coiro especially thanked Rotarian and World War II veteran Nelson Bernabucci for acting as event coordinator and the day's emcee.

"This is a gift from the Rotary to the veterans," said Corio.

Bernabucci noted ten veterans had arrived with their mentors from West Haven's VA Hospital Blind Unit and that other veterans attending included five members of Branford's American Legion Post 83 and their commander, U.S. Marines veteran Richard Dunn; as well as 11 members of Branford Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12106 and their commander, U.S. Army veteran Elliot Hastings; togehter with five veterans attending as invited guests of Rotary members.

Many veterans, including Bernabucci, shared a bit about their military service. Bernabucci joined the Navy Seabees at 18 in 1943. Bernabucci was in the Pacific Theatre (Philippines) when the world's two first atomic bombs deployed in warfare were dropped on Japan; striking Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.  By August 15, 1945, the war was over.

"When we dropped the atomic bombs, we were stationed at Mindoro Island; and the war ended," said Bernabucci, who briefly returned to the U.S. before finding he was shipping out to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"I told them I only have 30 days left in the service, and they said, 'We only need you for 30 days,'" said Bernabucci, to laughter and several knowing nods from veterans in the audience.

Rotarian and U.S. Army veteran Bob Gill, who served in Korea, gave the days opening prayer and later shared a remarkable personal note from his years of service.

"One of the most memorable things for me was when I was in Fort Benning, Georgia," said Gill. "I got a return salute from General Dwight Eisenhower."

In addition to two World War II veterans attending; others in the audience included those who served in actions stretching from the Korean War and Vietnam War to modern-day conflicts.

Brian Miniter, a Branford resident and Army veteran of Vietnam and Iraq with 34 years of service, started off by thanking all of the other veterans in the room.

"Thank you all for serving and putting  your life on the line for all of us," said Miniter.

Miniter shared he'd received his draft notice two days before he was to be wed and went on to serve in Vietnam. More than two decades later, he promulgated to serve in Iraq.

2015 CT VFW State Commander Robert Bailey had a 26-year Navy career (retired) which included three deployments to Vietnam.  He took a moment on Nov. 9 to recognize his brother, who served 15 months in Vietnam and returned to the states, only "...to be lost in a car accident," said Bailey.

"So I always like to remember him at events like this," Bailey noted, thanking the Rotary.

Adding it's been his pleasure to have met many veterans throughout the state, Bailey said, "My heart goes out to everyone in this room for everything you did and what you continue to do. You just need to remember that what we did was for a purpose, and we all did our share. So I want to thank you all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."