Since 1868, Memorial Day has honored men and women who died while serving in the US armed forces.
First called Decoration Day, as a day to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers, it’s now national in scope. And there have been many more wars, in which many more servicemembers have given their lives.
Westport usually honors its fallen heroes with a parade. Weather canceled this year’s event. Instead, a ceremony — with honor guard, music, and a speech by grand marshal 101-year-old World War II veteran Herb Podel — is set for 10 a.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
It’s well worth attending, by Westporters of all ages.
As Westport gears up for Memorial Day, flags decorated the graves of military personnel at cemeteries throughout town. This was the scene this weekend, at Evergreen Cemetery:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
