Our World War II veterans are almost gone.
But the wars kept coming: Korea. Vietnam. The Gulf. Iraq. Afghanistan.
Over all those years, Westporters have served their country.
Yesterday, in a simple but meaningful service, our town paid tribute to those men and women.
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 helped sponsor the ceremonies. Speakers included master of ceremonies Judge Edward Karazin (a member of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Staples High School senior Alessandro Alderucci.
Some veterans wore their uniforms. Others dressed more informally. Those who could, stood up straight.
All sat or stood proudly.
Look at their eyes, in the remarkable photos from Ted Horowitz — himself a former member of the Army Reserves — below. They tell you all you need to know about the importance of Veterans Day.
And the service of our veterans.
(All photos copyright Ted Horowitz)
Ed Karazin from Forrest Drive and his sister Ann Karazin were both friends of our family decades ago! Yesterday was definitely Westport proud.
God Bless our Veterans!
Thank you, Dan, for posting this for those of us who live far away now. The pictures of our Heroes brings tears to my eyes. Thank you and God bless each and every one who served to protect our country.
We are all “standing on the shoulders of giants.” Thank you Dan for this story.
God bless these folks. Thanks for posting, Dan.
Nice. Veterans Day has reunited many of us from the ’63-’66 classes who served in Vietnam via a rash of emails. If the WAR or Agent Orange (300K have died since we left in’75) exposure, didn’t kill us, we will live forever? Or maybe 95? Semper Fi!
I salute and honor our brave men and Women. Shame that the new administration does and will not
Thank you ,Ted and Dan, for the photos and write up that captured the essence of the ceremony. The Veterans Day Address by Staples High School Senior Alessandro Alderucci was very inspirational in both his words and delivery. The Westport community is very supportive of our veterans at the VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue. Thank you, Westport!
Kudos to skilled Westport photographer Ted Horowitz for capturing and documenting these deeply sensitive, very personal moments of these few who were among military peers who also did so much for so many.
A wonderful Westport tradition honoring our Veterans. A special thank you to Westport Community Band for their concert prior to ceremony and celebrating the music from all branches of the Armed Forces!