For a group of venerable veterans of the US armed forces, Veterans Day was time to roll back the calendar to the glory days of “the Greatest Generation.” Staff of Plush Mills Senior Living in Wallingford turned the lobby and lounge of the retirement community into a USO canteen, complete with coffee and donuts served by WACs in uniform. A number of residents displayed their medals and memorabilia, and shared war stories of their experiences (or their spouse’s) during World War II and the Korean War. The soundtrack was provided first by records of the swing era, then by a rousing singalong of patriotic songs.

Plush Mills resident Mel Mowbray was a member of the Merchant Marine during World War II. One of his keepsakes of the era is a caricature of him as a young officer, literally on top of the world.

Plush Mills resident 'Mac' MacDonald enlisted in the US Marines at age 18, and spent more than three years overseas in combat. He was wounded twice, the second time during the Marine battle of Iwo Jima. Mac was freshly enlisted when the photo of him was taken in front of his barracks at boot camp.