Groton — Branch 20 of the local Fleet Reserve Association will meet on May 17 at 6 p.m. at the branch home, 242 Thames St. 

Unit 20 will also meet on May 17 at 6 p.m. in the club area. All members in good standing are encouraged to attend these meetings.  Membership in the FRA is open to all active duty, retired, and veterans of the sea services, who have at least one day of enlisted service. Membership in the FRA Auxiliary, or Unit, is open to all spouses, children and stepchildren over age 16, parents, and grandparents of FRA members in good standing. For more information, call (860) 445-0731.

There will be a breakfast on May 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the branch home. These breakfasts boast an extensive menu for a donation of only $6. Our shipmates and their guests who find it difficult to navigate the stairs to our second deck dining room can be served in the club area. As a reminder, smoking is not allowed in the club area from 9 to 11 a.m. during all breakfasts and during all dinner events. Volunteers to help with the breakfasts are always welcome.  Call (860) 445-0731 and leave a message for Charlie.

Branch and Unit 20 will place flags on the graves of veterans in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery and the Star Hill Burying Grounds in Groton on May 26. Volunteers will gather at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery at 8 a.m. to start placing the flags. When finished there, the group will proceed to Star Hill.  To volunteer, call (860) 445-0731 and leave a message for John Vandenburg.  A sign-up sheet will be posted in the club as well.

Branch 20 will conduct its annual Sea Service Memorial at the Town of Groton's Veterans' Memorial located between the Groton Town Library and the Groton Senior Center, Route 117, on May 26 at 2 p.m. Departed shipmates who have joined the staff of the Supreme Commander during the past year will be honored with the tolling of the bell as their names are read. A Fleet Reserve Association wreath will be placed by the Branch and a Gold Star wreath will be placed by the Auxiliary. All Shipmates are encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public.