Tag Archives: Memorial Day 2013

Tons O’ Photos

Posted on May 27, 2013 | 2 comments

Westport photographer Dan Johnson — aka Imageman Photography — was snapping away at this morning’s Memorial Day parade.

Here’s one shot:

To see dozens more, click here.

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Posted in People, Westport life

Tagged Dan Johnson, Memorial Day 2013

Memorable Memorial Day

Posted on May 27, 2013 | 1 comment

The weekend clouds parted and the temperature rose, just in time for today’s Memorial Day parade.

From the Westport Y’s Men’s prize-winning Vietnam Wall float, to grand marshal Leonard Everett Fisher’s powerful speech — the 89-year-old recalled watching Civil War veterans marching in parades when he was young — it was a glorious, colorful (and sobering) tribute to our nation’s heritage.

And a much-needed reminder of the countless sacrifices that have been made so that we can enjoy a day — and a life — like this in Westport.

The Y’s Men’s float paid solemn tribute to Vietnam veterans.

The Carpenters’ house on Myrtle Avenue is a favorite spot for pancakes and parade-watching.

What’s a Westport Memorial Day parade without an imported fife-and-drum corps?

The parade is filled with kids, marching with every group: sports, Scouts, music and more.

Kids march with every kind of group: sports, Scouts, music and more.

A vintage car with vintage firearms carried veterans.

A simple sign, along the parade route.

Grand marshal Leonard Everett Fisher gave a strong speech, with a powerful message. He also noted that he last wore his uniform officially 67 years ago — and it still fits.

Staples trumpeter Devon Lowman played “Taps.” Adam Mirkine echoed the poignant notes.

(Click below — or click here — for the Staples High School Band’s stirring “Armed Forces March.”)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Organizations, People, Staples HS, Westport life

Tagged Leonard Everett Fisher, Memorial Day 2013, Westport Y's Men

We Remember

Posted on May 26, 2013 | 12 comments

Every year before Memorial Day, the “Good Morning Staples” TV show honors America’s special holiday.

This year, host Dan Geraghty — a Staples English teacher, and former Army Ranger and National Guardsman — introduced 2 segments about the Vietnam Memorial wall.

One was a poem. The other was a stunning song by former Green Beret Michael McCann, Fairfield University graduate and friend of Jim Honeycutt (the Staples TV production teacher whose class produced the show).

Michael’s song is even more poignant because he is fighting Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. This is his final battle.

The show ends with a reminder to enjoy Monday’s parade, but also to think about what the holiday means — along with Ray Charles’ rousing rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

This is what Staples students saw Thursday morning. It’s something all Westporters should watch this weekend.