Perfect weather. Perfect people. A perfect way and day to honor all who serve. (Click or hover over photos to enlarge.)
Cub Scouts amuse themselves while waiting for the parade to begin. (Photo/Elizabeth Williams)
The Bedford Middle School band has plenty of pep as the parade rounds the first corner. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Remembering MIAs and POWs, in front of National Hall. (Photo/Kim Lake)
It’s not a parade without a fife and drum corps… (Photo/Kim Lake)
…meanwhile, Westport may be the only town with dozens of Suzuki violins in its Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
There’s more than one way to enjoy Westport’s Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Ed Hulina)
CLASP salutes America’s veterans. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
Go Mariners! (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
You can’t watch the parade without caffeine. (Photo/Ed Hulina)
Generations of Americans have fought and died so that we all have free speech. (Photo/Bruce Haymes)
The Coleytown Middle School band… (Photo/Bruce Haymes)
…and the Falcons. (Photo/Bruce Haymes)
It’s a yearly tradition: The Y’s Men win the “Best Float” competition. They did it again this time, portraying Japan’s surrender to Gen. MacArthur. (Photo/Jeff Schon)
Grand marshal and World War II vet Bruce Allen. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Sam and Sharon Carpenters’ Myrtle Avenue home: the quintessential Memorial Day view. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport’s finest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport’s other finest: our politicians. (Photo/Dan Woog)
TEAM Westport marched in the parade — and had fans along the way. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Today was a day for family and friends… (Photo/Dan Woog)
…and for honoring all who served. (Photo/John Hartwell)
Proud veterans Leonard Everett Fisher, Bob Satter and Tony Esposito. (Photo/Linda Smith)
Bill Vornkahl — organizer of 45 Memorial Day parades — and 3 Girl Scout Daisies recite the Pledge of Allegiance. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The honor guard salutes America’s fallen servicemembers. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
“Taps” — the echo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Dan, whereas I, and a lot of other vets appreciate all the kind words, I just want to remind you that the true spirit of Memorial Day is not to honor all the vets, but to specifically honor those who gave their all. The ones who died in the service of our country. So a moment of silence please for those thousands……………..
Interesting, not one photo of the EMS or the ambulances that serve to help all the Westporters when they need it most? I’m sure there were a few other groups that you didn’t photograph.
Perhaps no one photographed the CERT volunteers, the fire department that included three firefighters who saved the life of a young woman in cardiac arrest at the rowing club earlier this year, and seven who served or still serve this country, or other public safety organizations.
No, I did not include every group that marched. I tried for a sampling. I am one person, and I asked for community contributions. A number of people responded, with some great photos. Unfortunately, none were of EMS or the CERT volunteers, or the fire department — all of whom are fantastic, and who have been profiled on “06880” whenever I get a chance3.. Beth and Amy, you both are in charge of providing me with those photos next year. You’re welcome.
My preface…”perhaps no one photographed” put the work in your public’s hands. The photographs you chose and the videos you posted gave a true feeling of the Memorial Day Parade and spirit. Thank you.
I hope both Beth and Amy stopped to reflect for a quiet moment at three o’clock.
I did just now (3 hour time difference), and I’m not an American.
Truly a timeless part of Westport. One question though: I recently saw a photo of the parade from more than 50 years ago where the parade marchers appear to be heading south on Main Street. Was there a different parade route back then?
I recall a time when the parade went from Riverside to Post Road to Myrtle, then went around in front of Christ & Holy Church, up Elm Street, and (indeed) south on Main Street, finishing at Jesup Green. That’s where the ceremonies were then. (I think that was the route, anyway). Now that we have Veterans Green (with the doughboy statue that used to be across from Bertucci’s) — and now that we have Town Hall opposite Veterans Green — I guess the current route makes more sense.
Beth – I’m sure there were other pics taken of groups that were not shown but please remember, this day is not for our town groups or activities or our civic organizations. It’s for the honored dead veterans that gave their lives for our country. So a little respect please. Did you take pics of our EMS and ambulances? If so send them to Dan, I’m sure he will treat them accordingly.
Thank you Dan for bringing me home from 3,000 miles away. I remember those parades well as I am sure my poor mother does!! I remember her rushing to get my sisters and me to meet our girl scout/ brownie / softball team group (whatever it was that year) in time to be in the parade. The only think that doesn’t look familiar in the photos is the Starbucks line!! Thank you again and Happy Memorial Day!!
I’ve always found the parade and the program incredibly touching. In fact, it usually brings tears to my eyes, especially at the Grand Marshall’s speech. I’ve driven my red car(s) for about the past ten years, and always felt proud to be part of it. The only drawback is that I miss half the parade!
I remember these parades from 60 years ago – so stirring and patriotic. Thanks for the great pictures
I worked at Starbucks Parker Harding Plaza in the mid to late 1990s. Memorial Day was always the busiest day of the year. Grueling but amazingly fun!
As someone said to me this noon, “I think that was the best Memorial Day Parade ever in Westport.” It really was special and I’m so glad for the “hometown feeling” every year.
Dan, I think you are absolutely correct about the parade route from a long time ago. I used to march with the Brownies and Girl Scouts in the 50s and early 60s. We did come down Main Street to Jesup Green via Taylor Place, I believe. The ceremony at the end of the parade was always at Jesup Green when I was a kid.
Yep, I remember as a Brownie and Girl Scout the same. Marching down Main Street – – I also remember watching on Main Street too in the 1960’s.
We used to climb on top of the Klein’s building. Today that would result in a quick arrest.
I loved Klein’s. Awesome you got on the roof.