A weekend of honoring veterans in Stratford kicked off Friday night when VFW 9460 honored over a dozen veterans of WWII and the Korean War.

“We stand on their shoulders,” said Rob Bracci, chairman of the sold-out event. “We have gentlemen here who are 99 to 102."

Like every year, organizers say this upcoming Veterans Day should be about reflection and giving back to veterans.

“We just want to send these gentlemen home happy, knowing that they’re appreciated, respected, and still loved by us,” Bracci says.

Stratford’s second Veterans Day parade steps off from Town Hall starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

“Stratford is one of the most patriotic and veteran-focused communities I’ve ever seen,” Bracci says. “It’s a beautiful thing.”