The weather was the best in memory.
One of the largest, most enthusiastic crowds in decades lined the parade route, for Westport’s annual salute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives — and all the others who served — so that we can enjoy our lives here, today.
First responders and politicians marched. Drum and bugle corps drummed and bugled. A thousand or so kids walked, rode and cheered. Every organization in town had its day in the (bright) sun.
A solemn ceremony on Veterans Green added meaning to the morning. Rabbi Greg Wall’s stirring invocation, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s insightful words, 99-year-old grand marshal Ben Pepper’s speech (read by his grandson Scott, with a shout-out to Ben’s 1-year-old great-grandson), and haunting “Taps” reminded the large, attentive crowd why we were there.
Here is a snapshot of Memorial Day in Westport, 2023-style. It’s one of the best, and most meaningful, traditions in town
Over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, on the Post Road. (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
Honoring POWs and MIAs. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
“Veterans” Miggs Burroughs and Andrew Colabella, at the Westport PAL float.
Proud Westport firefighters. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and honorary officer Dylan Curran. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Star-spangled crowd. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
Surprise! Really, no surprise: The Y’s Men of Westport & Weston float again won top prize, in the competition. (Photo/Karen Como)
Every kid loves a parade. (Photo/Ira Bloom)
Korean War veteran Bill Vornkahl (foreground) has organized over 50 Westport Memorial Day parades. He listens as Scott Pepper delivers remarks for his grandfather, 99-year-old grand marshal and Battle of the Bulge Purple Heart recipient Ben Pepper. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Staples High School marching band, on Veterans Green. (Photo/Arthur Hayes)
Judy Katz’s sketch of the Veterans Green ceremony is titled “It is the soldier who has given us freedom.” The words come from the “Soldier’s Poem,” read traditionally after Westport’s parade.
More photos coming soon!
NOBODY does it better! Thanks Westport!