Skies were blue, and the temperature perfect, for today’s Memorial Day parade.
On the way to the parade, at the Saugatuck Church.
A couple of thousand military veterans, first responders, band musicians, young athletes, older Y’s Men, plus a wide range of others — including the grand marshal, Judge Edward Karazin — marched, ambled, danced, rode and scootered, from the start at Saugatuck Elementary School to the end in Parker Harding Plaza.
Vietnam veteran and grand marshal Judge Edward Karzin, with his wife Renee. (Photo/Tom Feeley)
A couple of thousand more spectators — like the parade-goers, of all ages — cheered them (and their favorites) on.
Then, the largest crowd in memory filled Veterans Green for the annual ceremony honoring the reason for the day: the 1.35 million Americans who have given their lives for our country, from the 1770s to now.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker noted that the diversity of America’s military is one of its strengths.
Nick Rossi sings the national anthem. From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Brien Horan.
Grand Marshal Karazin recounted his years growing up here — including riding his bike in the Memorial Day parade, and graduating from Staples High School in 1957 — and called the day “a living, loving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He urged Westporters to reflect on their lives, and “give back to the town, to help it and others.”
Connecticut National Guard Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan — a Westporter — gave a ringing address.
He noted that, unlike in other countries, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a leader or political party, but to the Constitution. That means, he said, allegiance to core principles like freedom of speech, and due process under law.
To loud cheers, he encouraged young people to think about the military, and its adherence to those important values.
The Fire Department’s traditional early morning ceremony. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
Veterans remember POWs and MIAs.
Westport Police were out in force.
The Y’s’ Men’s float is always a winner. This year, it honored the USO.
It’s a family affair.
Clowning around.
It’s not a parade without a fife and drum corps.
Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk.
The sentiment of the day.
Honor guard.
Staples trumpeter Gargi Karve plays the mournful “Taps.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Looks like a fantastic day! A special thank you and greeting to Ed Karazin. I’m sure if my cousin Stan (Staples 1956), was alive, he would have enjoyed the day. May you have many more Memorial Days.
When Ed Karzin was just a local lawyer, the Westport Police arrested some Staples seniors who had climbed up on the school roof to hang a mummy to scare – welcome freshmen. They were charged with criminal trespass. Ed had the balls to write a letter to the Westport News suggesting the police might recognize the difference between trespass and a prank.
I was delighted when he was made a judge. He has common sense and is a good guy to boot.
Thank you Connecticut National Guard Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan for reminding us that, unlike in other countries, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a leader or political party, but to the Constitution. That means, he said, allegiance to core principles like freedom of speech, and due process under law.
Especially today, under our current president, we need to hear this loud and clear!
Thanks Dan!! Great photos both fun and very touching!
AND some weather!!