National Salvation Army Week is May 10th – 16th this year and serves as an opportunity to celebrate our volunteers, donors and program beneficiaries who have enabled us to serve in the United States since 1880. This week is observed immediately following Mother’s Day in May and was first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 – 74 years after The Salvation Army arrived in the U.S.
In his speech, President Eisenhower noted, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness, and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”
As part of National Salvation Army Week, Governor Ned Lamont, Jr. will receive The Salvation Army’s Hero of Hope award. The award will be presented to the Governor for his outstanding work in response and recovery efforts during COVID-19.
“Hope is the driving force of The Salvation Army’s mission,” said Major Debra Ashcraft, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Division. “We continually strive to bring hope to those in despair, help those in need, and do the most good. But we do not act alone. Our Army is made up of selfless individuals who go well beyond the call of duty, taking it upon themselves to humbly serve others. We’re dedicating National Salvation Army Week 2021 to highlight these ‘Heroes of Hope.’”
Several locations in Connecticut will be celebrating National Salvation Army Week.
National Salvation Army Week Happenings:
Ansonia
The Salvation Army is the building in red and decorating with red balloons.
City Hall will be flying the Salvation Army flag.
A banner will be hung at fencing off Main Street on Olsen Drive.
Bristol
City Hall will be flying the Salvation Army flag May 17th-21st.
Hartford
The CT State Capital will be flying the Salvation Army flag.
Milford
Town Hall will be lighting up in red.
New Haven
The City of New Haven will make a proclamation.
Captain Charles Adams from The Salvation Army’s New Haven corps will offer a public presentation on the history of The Salvation Army at East Haven’s Hagaman Library that will be recorded, and live streamed on May 13th.
Newtown
Town Hall First Selectman Daniel C. Rosenthal will make a proclamation.
Norwalk
The Salvation Army Norwalk will thank the Norwalk’s Police Department for their service on May 14th by providing refreshments, and healthy snacks.
Norwich
The City of Norwich will make a proclamation.
Ridgefield
Ridgefield Town Hall will be flying the Salvation Army flag.
Simsbury
Town Hall First Selectman Eric S. Wellman will make a proclamation.
Thomaston
Thomaston Town Hall will light up in red.
Waterbury
The Palace Theater will have Salvation Army signage on its marquee.
Wethersfield
CBS – A Xerox Company building in Wethersfield will light up in red.
Windham
The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce will light up in red Christmas lights.
“National Salvation Army Week 2021” will be added to the city’s electronic sign rotation.
Winsted
Town Hall Mayor Candy Perez will make a proclamation.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit ctri.SalvationArmy.org SalvationArmyUSA.org.