You’d think a plaque honoring all of Westport’s veterans — “living or dead” — would be located in a prominent spot. Veterans Green, probably. The VFW, perhaps.
You’d also think that because it was dedicated in 1975, plenty of people would remember where it was.
You’d be wrong.
Jack Whittle and Deej Webb were the only “06880” readers who knew where last week’s photo challenge can be found. (Click here for the image, and all comments.)
It’s not what our veterans deserve. The plaque is at the old Bertucci’s (and older: Clam Box) property, near where a memorial flagpole once stood.
There’s a reason it’s there, and it has nothing to do with clams or pizza. For several decades, a Doughboy statue once graced the median, between the restaurant and Torno Hardware.
It was relocated probably 20-25 years ago to Veterans Green (though it was not called that then). It’s certainly a more appropriate spot — across from Town Hall, next to the Westport Historical Society.
Also appropriately, I’m honored to pass along alert (and patriotic) “06880” reader Adam Vengrow’s reminder:
Veteran’s Day is Saturday, November 11. Westport’s Town Hall ceremony is always inspiring — but lightly attended. Consider going (10:30 a.m.). School’s not in session that day, so bring the kids too. It’s a great way — besides a plaque — to honor our veterans.
Now here’s this week’s photo challenge. If you think you know where in Westport it is, click “Comments” below.
Saugatuck Firehouse.
Station 1
At the beach above the showers?
Westport Public Schools office at 1 Canal Street.
Post Road East
Thanks Dan!, very interesting piece of Westport history. We have a strong military history in Westport, and so many Veterans from Korea, Vietnam, Gulf, Desert Storm and a handful of blesed WW2 legends. We will also have a younger generation of Iraq/Afghanistan Vets in town on Veterans Day. The Town Hall service continues this year on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. This one hour every year is so patriotic and so enjoyable, will be a packed house!
1Canal Street
Telephone Company building on Myrtle Ave
I’ve changed my mind. It is the old BHC building (now BoE offices) on Canal St.
The fire station on wilton rd
A wide variety of guesses. Elaine Marino, David Sampson and Dan Herman: it is the old Bridgeport Hydraulic Company building — now the Westport Board of Education facilities offices — at 1 Canal Street. Well done!
Fire house
Sent from my iPhone
>
The Saugatuck firehouse
Saugatuck fire house
Telephone building
Saygatauck Firestation
The Old BHC bldg near canal park