Why does Connecticut need a State Veterans Memorial?
Long before our Nation was born, the men and women of Connecticut defended their soil and their Country. We have a rich tradition that dates back to the Charter Oak, Bunker Hill and Israel Putnam. The First Company Governor's Foot Guard was organized in October 1771 and is the oldest military organization in continuous existence in the United States. Since 1775, more than 1.3 million Connecticut citizens have served in defense of peace and freedom. Connecticut has over 277,000 veterans living in our State today. But Connecticut does not have a central place to hold ceremonies on Memorial and Veterans Days where we can officially recognize and honor these men and women. With America at war in Iraq and Afghanistan and our military stationed around the world, it is both appropriate and long overdue that Connecticut creates this Memorial to pay tribute to the patriots of the past, honor the veterans of today, and demonstrate the appreciation we hold for this service for generations to come.

Who is designing the memorial?                                                                        The Board of Directors of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. has elected to sponsor a competition to select the design by tapping into the talents and creativity of Connecticut’s many artisans, historians, scholars and designers. This effort is intended to be a one-stage competition to select a design for this historic project to honor veterans of Connecticut – Past, Present and Future. (See Design Competition)
When will the memorial be built? The current timeline is to hold a ground-breaking by Memorial Day 2010 and a dedication in the Fall of 2010.
 

How much will the memorial cost?                                                                    Our fundraising goal is $1.5 million for the instillation, construction, landscaping and completion expenses, exclusive to land acquisition and ongoing maintenance of the Memorial.
Where will the memorial be built? The specific site chosen for the memorial is Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on a grassy meadow adjacent to the Colonel Raymond Gates State Veterans Cemetery and directly across the street from the Connecticut Veterans Home on West Street in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. This Cemetery is open dawn to dusk. The area identified for the site is approximately 2.8 square acres.
 

Who will maintain the memorial?                                                                Once the Memorial is completed, all guidelines for any ceremonial programs, services and use of the Memorial will be under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. Physical maintenance and upkeep of the grounds will be managed by the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs, in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Memorial.

Will the memorial be accessible to the general public?                              The stated purposes of the Memorial are: to provide a place of honor and tribute for the men and women who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States; to raise awareness of the contributions made by the veterans of the State; and to establish a central site for the State of Connecticut to conduct official observances, activities and ceremonies to honor veterans, including on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
 

How do I make a donation?
Donations may be made on-line by credit card or by mailing a check or money order.

On-Line Donations via Credit Cards:
Click here “Donate” or the "Donate" Button on the Home Page of our website.

Checks and Money Order Donations:
Please make your check or money order to: Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc.
Mail your donation to:                                                                    
Connecticut State Veterans Memorial
c/o Rockville Bank
P.O. Box 660
Rockville, CT 06066

Is my donation tax-deductible?                                                                             The corporation is tax-exempt and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (IRS Status Documents on File and available to the public upon request)

How can I raise funds in other ways for the memorial?                       Individuals and organizations wishing to hold a fundraising activity or assist with fundraising, should EMAIL us info@cthonorsvets.org or call us at 860-721-5850.