Monday, May 31, 2010
Y’s Men Win Best Overall Float
By James Lomuscio
The “Best Overall Float” prize for the Memorial Day Parade today went to the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston for their museum-like depiction of World War I Doughboys in the trenches, whether manning a machine gun or cut down by gunfire.
The Y’s Men float depicted World War I casualties. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
With the song “Over There” playing and a sign noting that 4 million served, the float featured players who sat expressionless, almost ghostlike, their faces colored a drab green and gray.
Upon first glance, many thought they were not people, but dummies. Further examination, however, showed that these robot-like individuals were in fact people, an eerie commentary on the dehumanization of war and the sacrifices made.
Among those on the float were Jeff and Suzanne Ford, whose late father Clark Ford used to design the holiday’s floats for the Y’s men.
More "Y’s Men Win Best Overall Float"
Westport’s Memorial Day Parade—The Compact Version
2010 Memorial Day Parade in under 2 minutes! from Nick Pisarro, Jr. on Vimeo.
Westport’s longest ever Memorial Day parade was compacted to two minutes by Westporter Nick Pisarro Jr. Nick Pisarro Jr. for WestportNow.com
Service, Honor, Loss and Remembrance at Memorial Day
By James Lomuscio
For more than two hours under azure skies, today’s Westport Memorial Day parade seemed replete with the sounds of brass, sirens, horns and cheers from onlookers. 
Kim Keehan points out to Malcolm Watson her father’s name on the World War II Honor Roll. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
More than 64 units of veterans, police, fire, emergency services, town government, social service and school groups wound through downtown Westport as marchers trumpeted the unofficial start of summer.
But despite the despite the festivities, flag waving and shouts of “Happy Memorial Day” from many of the almost 2, 000 in attendance, there was a sense of the bittersweet, a distinct seriousness as the parade passed Veterans Green.
There, the lone World War I Doughboy and the World War II Honor Roll reminded those who paused long enough of the day’s meaning—to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
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A Grand Marshal Hug
Memorial Day parade grand marshals George Marks Sr. (l) and George Marks Jr. embrace at the end of their remarks at today’s Veterans Green ceremony following the parade. It is the first time in the parade’s history that a father and son have served as grand marshals. George Sr., 90, is a Merchant Marine World War II vet, George Jr., 64, is a Vietnam vet. Both also served in the Westport Police Department. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Powerful Impact
The Y’s Men float depicting World War I causalities made a powerful impact on those watching the Westport Memorial Day parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Crossing the Bridge
Crowds on both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in Westport’s center today gave a warm welcome to World War II veterans. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Joseloff: How Far Off Wars Touch Those at Home
By James Lomuscio
First Selectman Gordon F.Joseloff: Wars touch Westport “intensely”. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
War touches everyone and every community when one looks at those who served and who are still serving.
That was the thrust of remarks made today by Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff as he spoke at the memorial service at Veterans Green following the parade that drew thousands to the downtown area.
Surrounded by Bill Vornkahl, president of the Westport Veterans Council and George Marks Sr. and George Marks Jr., the event’s co-Grand Marshals, Joseloff spoke of Westporters who have served and who continue to serve their country in times of war, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice.
“Once again we are gathered to pay tribute to those who fought for our country in many wars, too many wars,” Joseloff said after he thanked Vornkahl for running the event for the past 40 years.
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World War II Vets on Parade
World War II vets had an honored place in today’s Westport Memorial Day parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Memorial Day View
Special holiday glasses made for better viewing of Westport’s Memorial Day parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Water Break
The heat forced many along Westport’s Memorial Day parade route to drink water frequently. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Chopper Float
This year’s float entries in Westport’s Memorial Day parade included a helicopter.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) David Dreyfuss for WestportNow.com
Fire Department in Step
The Westport Fire Department honor guard led the departments parade contingent today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Dignitaries on the March
Among dignitaries on the march in today’s Westport Memorial Day parade were (l-r) First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff, state Senator Toni Boucher, state Representative Joe Mioli, and Selectman Shelly Kassen. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Parade Watcher
Many dogs watched today’s Westport Memorial Day parade along the line of march, including this pup. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Perfect Parade Weather
It was a perfect weather day for today’s Westport Memorial Day parade. The Westport police and EMS contingent are shown on Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
On the Reviewing Stand
Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff was on the reviewing stand today along with Grand Marshals George Marks Jr. and George Marks Sr. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by Dave Matlow
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day photos by Dave Matlow.
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by Helen Klisser During
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day pictures from Helen Klisser During
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by Larry Untermeyer
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day pictures by Larry Untermeyer.
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by Lynn U. Miller
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day pictures by Lynn U. Miller.
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by Phyllis Groner
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day photos by Phyllis Groner.
Memorial Day 2010 Photos by David Dreyfuss
A collection of 2010 Memorial Day photos by David Dreyfuss
Puppy Love in Red, White and Blue
Isabelle Blend, 4 1/2, of Westport snuggles up to a boxer puppy eight weeks old during today’s Memorial Day parade. The puppy, yet unnamed, belongs to a friend. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Michele Blend for WestportNow.com
Hearing from a Veteran
Keynote speaker at today’s annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Westport Fire Headquarters was Westporter J. Lynn Helms, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, former president of Piper Aircraft Corp., and former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration as an appointee of President Ronald Reagan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Memorial Day Parade Order of March
The order of march for Westport’s Memorial Day parade on Monday. The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue in front of Saugatuck Elementary School.
HONOR DIVISION
1. Port Chester American Legion Band
2. Westport Police Department
3. Westport Volunteer EMS
4. Westport Community Emergency Response Team
5. Grand Marshal - George Marks, Sr., George Marks, Jr.
6. Aides to Grand Marshal - World War II Veterans
7. World War II Jeep- Jeff Susa
8. Bill O’Brien - James Myer
1st DIVISION
9. Dignitaries - RTM Members
10. Westport Community Band
11. Connecticut Veterans Honor Guard
12. August Matthias Post 63 - American Legion Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 - Veterans of Foreign Wars
13. VFW Auxiliary
14. VFW Auxiliary Float
More "Westport Memorial Day Parade Order of March"
Monday, May 31, 2010 - Memorial Day
Westport Town Hall, Public Library, and Public Schools are closed in observance of Memorial Day
9 a.m. - Riverside Avenue to Veterans Green - Memorial Day Parade
1 p.m. - Westport Historical society - Open House, showing of “Longshore at 50” video
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Private Pool at Compo
Chloe Smith, 10 months old, of Westport had her own private pool to enjoy at Westport’s Compo Beach today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Compo Real Estate at a Premium
It was hard to find a spot in the sand in some areas of Westport’s Compo Beach today as Memorial Day weekend crowds were eager to start the summer swim season. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Business Jumping at Joey’s
There was brisk business today at Joey’s By the Shore at Westport’s Compo Beach as thousands headed for the water on a sunny Sunday with temperatures in the 80s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Crowded Compo
Westport’s Compo Beach was overflowing with Memorial Day weekend visitors today, some of whom set up elaborate tables for a holiday meal at the beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Learning Westport’s History
Historian Margaret LeBedis talked about Westport’s history today at Westport’s authentic one-room schoolhouse, Adams Academy, on Morningside Drive North. The two-day event by the Westport Historical Society was part of the town’s 175th birthday celebration. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Two-Car Crash Sends One to Hospital
A tow truck driver picks up debris after a two-car crash today on Post Road East at Westfair Drive. One person was transported to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS for evaluation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Westport Sketchbook: Veterans Statue
Westport artist and illustrator Elaine Clayton took her sketchbook to Westport’s Veterans Green opposite Town Hall on Myrtle Avenue where a Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday following the Memorial Day parade. See more of her work at illuminara.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Elaine Clayton for WestportNow.com
Police Rescue Sailor from Overturned Boat
UPDATE A Westport police Marine Unit today rescued a man whose sailfish overturned in the waters off Compo Beach.
The sailor, who was clinging to the boat, was taken to the Ned Dimes Marina, according to reports from the scene.
The incident occurred near the cannons as the beach was crowded with Memorial Day weekend visitors.
The man was uninjured, police said.
Memorial Day Holiday Sweets
Decorative red, white and blue cupcakes capture the spirit of the Memorial Day holiday at Westport’s Garelick and Herbs, 1799 Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
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