Herb Podel — the 101-year-old World War II Seabee veteran and longtime Westporter — did not get to ride in a car, as grand marshal of the 2026 Memorial Day parade.
The event was canceled, by a forecast of rain.
But the longtime businessman and civic volunteer took center stage at Town Hall, where the ceremony was moved.
In a heartfelt speech, delivered in a clear, powerful voice, Podel brought listeners from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, to current events.
Noting the spread of autocracy around the world, he asked, “How do we respond to the call to always go to war?”
Michael Chait taped Podel’s 8-minute talk. To listen to the message from the Pacific Theater veteran, click here or below.
A forecast of rain forced the cancellation of today’s Memorial Day parade.
But nothing could stop Westport’s ceremony, honoring America’s fallen servicemembers.
It went on as scheduled, inside Town Hall rather than across Myrtle Avenue at Veterans Green.
Grand marshal Herb Podel (center) with, from left, Governor Ned Lamont, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Congressman Jim Himes. Standing in back are 2nd Selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd Selectman Don O’Day.
A capacity crowd heard a retired general, political leaders. and grand marshal World War II veteran Herb Podel offer moving stories of sacrifice, and stirring reminders of the role democracy plays in American life.
Podel — a Seabee aviation and electronics specialist in the Pacific Theater who went on to found a successful business, and has spent over 6 decades involved in Westport’s civic life — delivered his address in a strong voice.
He tied President Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and the “be the change you want to see in the world” quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, to today’s world.
“We all have a role to play, in the spirit of our forefathers,” the grand marshal said.
He urged the audience — which gave him standing ovations before and after he spoke — to “vote! Stand for freedom!”
Other speakers also wove together together and today.
Governor Lamont quoted Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine and Lincoln. Congressman Jim Himes honored the sacrifices of patriots battling the British who landed at Compo Beach, and the 1.4 million Americans killed in all wars since.
First Selectman Kevin Christie said, “History is not distant.” He slowly recited the names of more than a dozen Westport veterans, all of whom died in the past year.
Master of ceremonies Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan drew heartfelt applause at the end of the hour.
Remarking on America’s special history, he noted that servicemembers “swear an oath to the Constitution — not to any political party.”
Brigadier General (ret.) Brian Horan, master of ceremonies.
The ceremony also included presentation of the colors by an honor guard; the national anthem sung by the Greens Farms Elementary School Chorus; a Westport Police Department firing detail; the pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 39 and Scout Troops 39 and 139; “Logan’s Order” played by the Staples High School band; “Taps” by Staples buglers Abigail Kane and Jessica Willis, and an invocation and benediction from Rev. Sophie Beal of Green’s Farms Church.
Grand marshal Herb Podel, with his speech.
Patty Kondub and Phil Delgado. She is with VFW Post 399 Auxiliary; he is the Post’s quartermaster.
Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A veteran in the honor guard (front) joins in.
The honor guard enters.
Kevin Mazzarella conducts the Staples band.
Staples band, and a small part of the capacity crowd. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Congressman Jim Himes leaves soon for Ukraine. “Godspeed,” said Governor Lamont. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Memorial Day began with a ceremony at Fire Department headquarters. Chief Nick Marsan (left) and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen spoke. (Photo/Carl Wistreich)
Longtime Westporter Bill O’Brien sent this note to family and friends. He asked “06880” to share it with the entire community. Bill says:
As we get ready to celebrate this holiday with cookouts, cold beer and fun activities. it’s important for all Americans to pause at least a bit to reckon with what Memorial Day is really all about.
The origins of special services to honor those who die in war is based in antiquity. Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute 2,400 years ago to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War that could be applied today to the 1.4 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”
To ensure the sacrifices of America’s lost are never forgotten, in 2000 the Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.”
Part of this act is to encourage all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence. to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
I think you’ll agree it’s the least we all can do to honor the fallen and help remind us of what the true meaning is behind the words “MEMORIAL Day.”
Bill’s wife Jacque O’Brien adds this, with 2 photos:
I came across these photos, taken 22 years ago when Bill and I visited our daughter Shannon and her family in Washington. We went the newly opened World War II Memorial.
Our grandson Garrett was just 4 years old. He decided to stop, trace the word, then rest on the monument. I remember thinking how special that moment was.
Every time I see these photos, I still get choked up.
Once again, the Memorial Day parade is honored to honor a World War II veteran.
Herb Podel is this year’s grand marshal, for the May 25 event.
The 101-year-old longtime Westporter served in the Pacific Theater. He was attached to a Seabee unit as an aviation and electronics specialist. Their primary focus was preparation for the planned invasion of Japan.
A resident here since 1965, Herb spent decades contributing to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement. The father of 2 daughters, Alison Bricken and Jacqueline Podel, he owned a company that manufactured recreation equipment for many years.
Herb has received 2 awards from the town of Westport recognizing his volunteer efforts. He served for many years as president of the Saugatuck Senior Cooperative board. He founded and facilitated the longtime Cultural Salon discussion group in Westport, and held numerous roles at Temple Israel.
Herb now lives at The Residence at Westport. He continues to be an active member of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, where he regularly participates in classes, discussion groups, special events and community lunches.
In February of 2025, Herb Podel celebrated his 100th birthday at the Senior Center with director Wendy Petty (right) and then-2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.
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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade: Westport groups, civic organizations and businesses interested in participating in the community event should register here. The deadline is May 17.
(Photo/Kelly Freitag)
All ages, and all kind of groups, “march” in the Memorial Day parade.
Hard to believe, but the Westport Pops Concert is now 10 years old.
From its first performance in 2016, the Staples High School-meets-Levitt Pavilion event became a beloved (and quickly sold-out) tradition.
This year’s show is Friday, June 5. Featured musicians include the nationally recognized Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and small group ensembles.
James Naughton returns as emcee.
The Levitt lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO chair); the concert begins at 7. Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset production costs.
Tickets are available at wpsarts.org/staplesmusic on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.; first-come, first-served.
Westport Pops poster graphic inspired by senior Connor Yuan.
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Another great Westport tradition is also near. And it too celebrates a milestone.
The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3 (6 p.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.
The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Restaurants serving up their favorite dishes include Gabriele’s, The Bridge, Nômade, Massi Co, The Whelk, Artisan and Dandelion — and many others.
Guests will also enjoy signature cocktails, a Champagne and caviar bar, and a bourbon tasting experience. A silent auction adds to the fun.
One more event of note: A few foursomes remain for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 10th annual Golf for Good tournament (May 18, Aspetuck Valley Country Club).
he Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to announce its 10th Annual Golf for Good Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.
Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, enabling individuals and families to participate in programs regardless of financial circumstances. Funds also support youth sports and camp, Parkinson’s wellness and independence programs, cancer survivorship support, and access for veterans.
We’re not sure how many Westporters follow the Library of Congress on Twitter (aka “X”).
But it’s a good thing for “06880” that Josh Berkowsky does.
A recent tweet celebrating National Cartoonist Day (May 5 — we all missed it) gave several examples of cartoons drawn on letters by soldiers in World War II.
Two very colorful ones were sent from a Sgt. Duquette in San Francisco, to Mrs. Gerald Duquette, on Sturges Highway here.
They are not the work of Sgt. Duquette. Josh says that the Library of Congress website credits the art to his friend, Technical Sgt. Samuel Lionel Boylston of South Carolina.
The recipient is Duquette’s wife, “Mrs. Gerald Duquette.”
One more local connection: Tom Duquette is a frequent “06880” commenter. He always adds “SHS ’75” (Staples Class of 1975).
Tom: If you’re reading this, please click “Comments” to let us know the connection!
And finally … in honor of 2 World War II stories today (Herb Podel and Sgt. Duquette, above):
(We don’t want to toot our horn, but since our first “06880” in 2009, we’ve posted over 20,000 stories — and haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Herb Podel turns 100 this Saturday. Family and friends celebrated his birthday at Rizzuto’s yesterday.
He has lived in Westport since 1966 — nearly 60 years.
In that time Herb has embraced the local cultural and tennis scenes, and is now an avid participant at the Westport Senior Center.
He was an original occupant of the 35 Bridge Street building (after its conversion from Saugatuck Elementary School), and served as president of the co-op for over 10 years.
He now lives at The Residence at Westport. That’s where you can send “Happy 100th Birthday” cards: Herb Podel, c/o The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.
Happy 100th, Herb Podel!
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Martha Stewart is back.
The lifestyle mogul — who kick-started her career in Westport, and later became America’s first self-made female billionaire — was the subject of 2 recent documentaries, on CNN and Netflix.
That introduced her to a new generation. They’re intrigued by all things Martha — including her first (of 100) book, “Entertaining.”
Published in 1982, it’s been long out of print. Copies have sold for more than $1,700 online.
Now it’s being reissued.
Her new fans see her as a “cool, badass woman,” she told The New York Times yesterday. Click here for the full story. (It includes a 1982 photo of Martha in her Turkey Hill kitchen.)
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Next month (Sunday, March 9, 3 p.m.), Temple Israel will host a screening “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.”
The HBO documentary will be followed by a panel discussion, about how security training saved lives that day.
Join us for a screening of HBO’s powerful documentary, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, followed by a panel discussion to learn how security training saved lives that day.
Panelists include Stephen Weiss, who was in the building in 2018 when a gunman entered and killed 11 worshipers, and wounded 2 others and 4 police offices; Bryan Bierman, Temple Israel executive director who has grown it into a national gold standard for security practices, fostering strong partnerships with local and federal agencies, and Marc Silverman, acting US Attorney for Connecticut.
And finally … happy 88th birthday (!) to Roberta Flack.
(What better way to start your week than with Roberta Flack — and “06880”? If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
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