Among the many things the coronavirus has taken from us: the chance to honor our veterans.
Town Hall is traditionally the site of Westport’s Veterans Day observance. There are speeches — including one by a Staples High School student headed into the service — and the presentation of colors.
It is a moving and meaningful morning.
COVID has forced changes in today’s ceremony. It’s outdoors at VFW Post 399, and attendance is limited.
But Westport’s veterans are flexible. They know how to improvise, solve problems, overcome obstacles. Though most of us are not there to honor them in person, every member — from the dwindling number who served in World War II, through Korea and Vietnam, into Iraq and Afghanistan, and all who were there in peacetime too — should know that our town honors recognizes their service, appreciates their sacrifice, and owes them a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
Here are a few images, from Veterans Day 2019:
Veterans Day sunrise.
Color guard.
Veterans salute during the national anthem,
Staples High School senior Colin Corneck spoke at Town Hall. He is now in his first year at the US Naval Academy.
Capt. John Murtagh, UMSC, and 3rd grade teacher Amy Murtagh celebrated Veterans Day 2019 at Greens Farms Elementary School. (Photo/Jenn Falik)
Veterans at Greens Farms Elementary School. (Photo/Jenn Falik)
A Bedford Middle School student thanks a vet. (Photo/January Stewart)
Veterans at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Bob Fitzpatrick)
Leonard Everett Fisher, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/January Stewart)
Jay Birnberger, with a plastic helicopter made for him by a Bedford Middle School student. (Photo/Molly Alger)