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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.
Varsity and junior varsity teams from Joel Barlow High School played 30-minute seven-on-seven games throughout the day. Barlow took on teams from Fairfield Prep, Fairfield Ludlowe, Amity, Ridgefield, Brien McMahon and Newtown.
The tournament also included a girls division for the first time. The Staples girls varsity team played against Fairfield Ludlowe, Warde and Lauralton Hall.
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