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A forecast of rain forced the cancellation of today’s Memorial Day parade.

But nothing could stop Westport’s ceremony, honoring America’s fallen servicemembers.

It went on as scheduled, inside Town Hall rather than across Myrtle Avenue at Veterans Green.

Grand marshal Herb Podel (center) with, from left, Governor Ned Lamont, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Congressman Jim Himes. Standing in back are 2nd Selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd Selectman Don O’Day.

A capacity crowd heard a retired general, political leaders. and grand marshal World War II veteran Herb Podel offer moving stories of sacrifice, and stirring reminders of the role democracy plays in American life.

Podel — a Seabee aviation and electronics specialist in the Pacific Theater who went on to found a successful business, and has spent over 6 decades involved in Westport’s civic life — delivered his address in a strong voice.

He tied President Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and the “be the change you want to see in the world” quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, to today’s world.

“We all have a role to play, in the spirit of our forefathers,” the grand marshal said.

He urged the audience — which gave him standing ovations before and after he spoke — to “vote! Stand for freedom!”

Other speakers also wove together together and today.

Governor Lamont quoted Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Lincoln. Congressman Jim Himes honored the sacrifices of patriots battling the British who landed at Compo Beach, and the 1.4 million Americans killed in all wars since.

First Selectman Kevin Christie said, “History is not distant.” He slowly recited the names of more than a dozen Westport veterans, all of whom died in the past year.

Master of ceremonies Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan drew heartfelt applause at the end of the hour.

Remarking on America’s special history, he noted that servicemembers “swear an oath to the Constitution — not to any political party.”

Brigadier General (ret.) Brian Horan, master of ceremonies.

The ceremony also included presentation of the colors by an honor guard; the national anthem sung by the Greens Farms Elementary School Chorus; a Westport Police Department firing detail; the pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 39 and Scout Troops 39 and 139; “Logan’s Order” played by the Staples High School band; “Taps” by Staples buglers Abigail Kane and Jessica Willis, and an invocation and benediction from Rev. Sophie Beal of Green’s Farms Church.

Grand marshal Herb Podel, with his speech. 

Patty Kondub and Phil Delgado. She is with VFW Post 399 Auxiliary; he is the Post’s quartermaster. 

Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A veteran in the honor guard (front) joins in. 

The honor guard enters.

Kevin Mazzarella conducts the Staples band.

Staples band, and a small part of the capacity crowd. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Congressman Jim Himes leaves soon for Ukraine. “Godspeed,” said Governor Lamont. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

Memorial Day began with a ceremony at Fire Department headquarters. Chief Nick Marsan (left) and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen spoke. (Photo/Carl Wistreich)

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Longtime Westporter Bill O’Brien sent this note to family and friends. He asked “06880” to share it with the entire community. Bill says:

As we get ready to celebrate this holiday with cookouts, cold beer and fun activities. it’s important for all Americans to pause at least a bit to reckon with what Memorial Day is really all about.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war is based in antiquity. Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute 2,400 years ago to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War that could be applied today to the 1.4 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s lost are never forgotten, in 2000 the Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.”

Part of this act is to encourage all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence. to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

I think you’ll agree it’s the least we all can do to honor the fallen and help remind us of what the true meaning is behind the words “MEMORIAL Day.”

Bill’s wife Jacque O’Brien adds this, with 2 photos:

I came across these photos, taken 22 years ago when Bill and I visited our daughter Shannon and her family in Washington. We went the newly opened World War II Memorial.

Our grandson Garrett was just 4 years old. He decided to stop, trace the word, then rest on the monument. I remember thinking how special that moment was.

Every time I see these photos, I still get choked up.