CT Veterans Day Parade

The Salvation Army Participated in the Veterans Parade in Hartford, CT

Salvation Army and U.S. Army Marching Together!

HARTFORD, CT – The Salvation Army was proud to participate in the CT Veterans Parade on November 6th in Hartford. The Mobile Feeding Unit served 576 hot dogs, 400 donuts and refreshments to Veterans and participants.

Parade 01

“The Salvation Army has a long-standing history of honoring those who have served our country. It’s our pleasure to be part of community activities like these that honor veterans who have served our country,” said Major Roger Duperree, Divisional Secretary of the Southern New England Division of The Salvation Army. Every year, The Salvation Army serves hundreds of thousands of veterans in need. The ministry of The Salvation Army for veterans has grown from serving coffee and doughnuts in World War I to providing various programs of comfort and cheer.

Parade 02

Since World War I, The Salvation Army and doughnuts have shared a common heritage. In 1917, after 36 days of steady rain, Ensign Helen Purviance and Adjutant Margaret Sheldon decided that the boys needed some real home cooking. The only things they could purchase were flour, sugar, lard, baking powder, cinnamon, and canned milk. The first doughnuts were patted out by hand.

Parade 03

A small wood fire was coaxed in a low, pot-bellied stove. A frying pan was used and the first doughnuts were fried. The tempting fragrance of frying doughnuts drew the homesick soldiers to the hut, and they lined up in the rain, waiting for a taste. The word went around. "If you're hungry and broke, you can get something to eat at The Salvation Army.”