Honoring 115 Years of Military Service

Thank you for 115 Years of Military Service

   For the last three years we have invited active and retired military vets to come for a free one-night getaway on November 11th, Veterans' Day.

   Ten retired and active military vets came to stay at our Tidewater Inn as our guests this Veterans' Day holiday, November 11th. They traveled from as far away as Virginia and as near as Marlborough CT, and alltogether they represent a combined total of 115 years of military service and three generations of significant events in our nation's history.



72 Years of Military Service - Army

43 Years of Military Service - Army, Navy & Airforce
1940 to the present

   As our thank-you to these dedicated vets they were treated to a free one-night getaway and welcomed with a wine and cheese reception. We gathered around the warmth of a roaring fire in the fireplace in our sitting room to listen as they shared their stories and experiences.  As an innkeeper this is my favorite time of day, when I sit with our guests and get to know them as they tell about their memories and travels.

   I am always fascinated by the exchange among the vets, themselves, as those who are retired compare their life experiences in the military service with those who are still active. Both the young and the old are always reverent toward each other.  Each has wisdom to offer to their comrades.  As for me, I am grateful for every day that they have served, and continue to serve, protecting the freedoms that I hold dear and take for granted.

   In the morning we continued to thank the vets by serving a bountiful breakfast, and together we enjoyed more conversation and fellowship before they went on their way to explore the shoreline before heading for home. 

   Our oldest vet this year was 91 year old Bern, who was a pilot in the Navy. On the day that Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in Hawaii on the USS Missouri, Bern was flying one of 4 planes that circled overhead to protect the ceremony.  We told him about the CT River Museum in Essex, where he could see the Turtle, the world's first submarine, and then about the Submarine Museum in Groton, where he could see the Nautilus, the world's first Nuclear submarine. Both were on his way home to MA, and he and his wife decided to take two detours to see both.

  Our youngest vets this year are in their 30's and parents of young children. Husband and wife are both in active service in the Army Reserves. All of this year's veteran guests have served all around the world.

  Veterans' Day is our National Holiday to honor the men and women who serve in the many branches of our military, putting their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we hold dear. The freedoms that define life in these United States of America.

   Several years ago innkeepers in the USA and Canada began the "B&B's for Vets" program to honor veterans and active military personnel, and our Tidewater Inn has particiated for the last three years. Every year on November 11 the Tidewater Inn opens its rooms and its heart to veterans and active military personnel, inviting them to come for a free night getaway, including a welcome wine and cheese reception, time to gather together to share experiences, and a bountiful homemade breakfast the next morning.

   With so many millions of military personnel still to thank, we'll be offering this thank you getaway through the "B&B's for Vets" program every year. Reservations are taken beginning when each year's program is officially announced to the military services, approximately the end of September, and are open to active or retired vets who have never yet been thanked by any participating B&B in this program.

  Thank you, veterans. You are appreciated far more than you realize.