The threatened heavy rain never materialized. But the forecast moved today’s Memorial Day ceremony into Town Hall.
An overflow crowd jammed Town Hall, for the Memorial Day celebration. It was powerful, impactful — and for everyone there, from World War II veterans to youngsters born in the 21st century — very, very important.
(All photos by Dan Woog unless otherwise noted.)
92-year-old Leonard Everett Fisher — a former grand marshal — wears his World War Ii uniform proudly.
Troop 39 Boy Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Grand marshal Joe Schachter — a 90-year-old World War II vet — poses with a patriotic fan. (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
Grand marshal Joe Schachter asked all the veterans in the auditorium to stand. Bob Satter and Sam Brody delightedly shook hands.
The color guard stands at attention.
An Army veteran takes in the ceremony.
Bill Vornkahl has organized Westport’s Memorial Day parade for 46 years. That’s several decades longer than these fife and drum corps members have been alive.
Navy veteran John Brandt stands as the Staples High School band plays “Anchors Aweigh”…
…and Army veteran Sam Brody does the same for “The Caisson Song.”
A Vietnam veteran stands silently. (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
Many organizations worked for days on their floats. The parade cancellation was disappointing — but here’s a chance for “06880” readers to see what they missed:
The Westport Woman’s Club float included Miggs Burroughs as George Washington (or is it Yankee Doodle?). (Photo/courtesy of Dorothy Curran)
Westport’s state champion 10-and-under softball team, and the 12-and-under runnersup, were all set to march (well, ride). (Photo/courtesy of Steve Axthelm)
The Y’s Men usually win the float competition. This year’s theme was “Tomb of the Unknowns.” (Photo/courtesy of John Brandt)
Finally, if you really missed this year’s parade — take a look at this one video. It’s from 2005, courtesy of Doug Harrison.
I always cry, whether I can be there or not. We’ve asked so much. Thank you. mmm
After seeing Michael Moore’s movie “Where to Invade Next” I realize that European countries have had it with the military way of life. European countries value the needs of their populations and don’t have military machines to feed. They feed their citizens instead. Until we stop our worship of war and warmongering, we will never achieve the full potential and promise of what this country could be. I only wish that every American would see this movie and learn how others run their countries. We need to learn the lessons they have learned.