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FAIRFIELD, Conn. After we gave thanks for the bounty on Thanksgiving, several hundred people gathered at Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Saturday to give thanks for the men and women who serve our country. More than 30 lacrosse teams from across Connecticut participated in the sixth annual Sticks for Soldiers charity lacrosse tournament, raising money for wounded soldiers in need.
More than $100,000 has been raised since the tournament began in 2006. Three wounded veterans were honored at the event, including Marine Corp Sgt. Liam Dwyer of Litchfield, Army Pfc. Josh Budd of Cheshire and Air Force Tech Sgt. Joe Wilkinson of Troy, N.Y.
Dwyer, 30, and Budd, 19, were wounded in Afghanistan by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), each losing his left leg. Wilkinson served in Iraq and has progressive leg paralysis.
This is why we join days like today in our hometown, Lt. Col. Tom Armas of Fairfield said during a ceremony. America isnt this grandiose idea. It is these teams from towns all over to support these young men and women. They joined because of this. As you stand out there they see a grateful nation.
Local varsity and junior varsity teams represented at the event included Norwalk, Brien McMahon, Weston, Joel Barlow, Staples, Fairfield Ludlowe, Fairfield Warde, Fairfield Prep, Stamford and Westhill High School.
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