By LISA CAPOBIANCO STAFF WRITER Honoring deceased military veterans at funerals is just one of many ways in which Bob Coffey has served the community of Bristol. Currently, the commander of the American Legion Post 2 Military honor guard, Coffey said offering comfort to the families of the deceased veterans in almost all of Hartford and Litchfield counties is a service he feels proud of. Serving as commander of the honor guard also is just one of many ways in which Coffey has volunteered his time in and outside the Bristol community. Next month, Coffey will be recognized for his service during the 53rd Annual Mum Festival, since he has been named as this year’s “Hometown Hero.” During the festival, a ceremony recognizing the Hometown Hero will take place on the main stage on Memorial Boulevard, as well as a celebratory breakfast before the Mum Parade on Sunday, Sept. 28. “This did take me by surprise—I wasn’t expecting it,” said Coffey, adding how countless other veterans in the community also deserve to be Hometown Hero. “It’s an honor.” Recently, the honor guard, which performs military honors at for more than 400 funerals annually, and attends wakes for members of the [...]
By LISA CAPOBIANCO STAFF WRITER Honoring deceased military veterans at funerals is just one of many ways in which Bob Coffey has served the community of Bristol. Currently, the commander of the American Legion Post 2 Military honor guard, Coffey said offering comfort to the families of the deceased veterans in almost all of Hartford and Litchfield counties is a service he feels proud of. Serving as commander of the honor guard also is just one of many ways in which Coffey has volunteered his time in and outside the Bristol community. Next month, Coffey will be recognized for his service during the 53rd Annual Mum Festival, since he has been named as this year’s “Hometown Hero.” During the festival, a ceremony recognizing the Hometown Hero will take place on the main stage on Memorial Boulevard, as well as a celebratory breakfast before the Mum Parade on Sunday, Sept. 28. “This did take me by surprise—I wasn’t expecting it,” said Coffey, adding how countless other veterans in the community also deserve to be Hometown Hero. “It’s an honor.” Recently, the honor guard, which performs military honors at for more than 400 funerals annually, and attends wakes for members of the [...]