Long-time Westporter Scott Smith sees things the rest of us miss. Today, he sees the need for a flagpole. Scott writes:
This month, we honor our veterans and assess election results.
I hope it is not too early to turn our attention to an upcoming landmark event in our nation’s history. I’m talking about the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
Even in this divisive political time, I like to think that the one thing all Americans can rally around is the flag of the United States.
So here’s the idea: Let’s celebrate the semiquincentennial by erecting a tall new flagpole at the most prominent, historic spot in Westport — by the cannons at Compo Beach.
An iconic spot for a new flagpole? (Photo/Tim Woodruff)
There are 2 flagpoles at Compo. One is set inland among trees at the entrance, with a smaller flag at the lifeguard station along the boardwalk. Both strike me as underwhelming.
One current Compo Beach flagpole …
Given that it’s hard to see these flags from any distance, wouldn’t it be swell if the town had a great big American flag, and Westport’s too, for all to see?
,,, and another.
A new flagpole off Cedar Point would complement the cannons, while serving as a navigational aid and eye-catching marker for meetups. As an old analog guy, and longtime boater and kayaker, I’ve long sought out fluttering flags to gauge wind and weather.
Flying the town’s “Minute Man” flag in addition to Old Glory would also be a fine way to salute the brave patriots who battled the British after their landing at Compo in April 1777, then fought the Redcoats again after their return from destroying the colonial depot in Danbury.
As it happens, the town may already have a flagpole on standby. On a trip to the yard waste dump on Bayberry Lane this summer, I noticed a sizable metal pole rusting away in a weedy back corner of the lot. Perhaps it can be refurbished and returned to service.
Flagpole at the yard waste station. (Photos/Scott Smith unless otherwise noted)
What say we run this idea up the proverbial — and perhaps literal — flagpole with Westport’s new first selectman Kevin Christie?
Then we can all have something to salute at next year’s Independence Day fireworks at Compo Beach.
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100% agree. It should be substantial and make a statement imo. Great idea.
And let’s recall the writer and humorist Max Shulman who wrote
Rally Round the Flag, Boys! (1957), which was filmed in 1958 and featured Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Joan Collins.
Well done 06880! Well Done!
I like it. A lot.
In a similar vein, let’s also return our beautiful, blue Bicentennial marker to a place of honor. Veterans Green would be appropriate. Every other municipality in the state proudly displays its state-issued Bicentennial marker, but the Marpe administration, as if embarrassed by our town’s history, impulsively disappeared that handsome plaque from its longtime home outside town hall – and shoved it into a storage area.
This week, the current administration announced plans to sell us “Connecticut 250” merchandize to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Really? Instead hawking trinkets, how about making some substantive and meaningful choices?
Great idea!
Note – There is another Flagpole at the Marina.
Thanks, Bob–shoulda figured that. But let’s hope a big new flag front and center at Compo will set a new standard for Westport!
We have a flagpole we would be willing to donate!
Great idea. Where to send contributions?
Mitchell Kornblit
Thanks! Happy to follow up with that question on Monday for the Town’s Public Works and/or Parks & Rec Depts.
100% behind that idea 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Dan, i love you man!!!! that is one of the coolest ideas i have heard in this town in ages!!!! I would happily contribute to that, and i bet many others would too! yes yes and yes, that would make that area, so special, and that point is so rich in westport history! lets do it!
Great idea Scott!!
I love the idea! It’s perfect.
Just a few practical questions: who will be responsible for raising and lowering the flag since it is not supposed to be flown after dusk; how will weather right there at the water’s edge (I’m thinking wind primarily) affect the pole and flag; and who will maintain the pole itself to keep the salt air from corroding it?
This is a great idea, would definitely support the effort.
There is an American flag also flown at the Dimes Marina.
Great idea!
None better than Kevin Christie to make this wish come true.
Awesome suggestion.
I can already see far, far greener pastures.
Love it! I’ve noticed that the flags at the various marinas and elsewhere in town here in Cedarville are not raised and lowered each day. Also the wind and weather here is way more severe and after 5 or so years a flag needs to be replaced. No big deal! You ans love or hate politics but you can’t not love the American flag!
The old flagpole at the yard waste site on Bayberry Lane which Scott noticed is likely associated with the Cold War era Nike Missile IFC ( Integrated Fire Control) facility which previously operated from that property. If that’s true, then the pole arguably has significance of its own given its connection to the Nike program, a nationwide system of technically advanced anti-aircraft missile defense installations built to protect important industrial and other locations from Soviet attack. Restoring the flagpole and giving it a place of honor where Scott has suggested seems particularly appropriate given the pole’s likely history.
As an addendum to the discussion of this particular flagpole, the Nike facility at Bayberry Lane was formally dedicated by the United States Army in 1958 in honor of the three Wassell brothers of Westport who were killed in World War II.
Martha Diamant
Love the idea plus location, symbolizing Westport’s Involvement in birth of our nation.
Good morning!!
There already is a 3rd flag pole at Compo Beach. This flag pole, once a gaff rigged flag pole, predates the 2 flag poles posted with this story. This flag pole was originally the flag pole for Cedar Point Yacht Club then located at Compo Beach at the marina. After Cedar Point Yacht Club moved across the bay, the marina was then known as Compo Yacht Basin, and now is known as Ned Dimes Marina.
I will send a couple of pictures to accompany this message.
Thank you.
Tom Wall
Former Dock Master
Compo Yacht Basin and E. R. Strait Marina