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Updated 3:30 p.m.: Monday morning's rain may have stopped Westport's Memorial Day parade and moved the observance ceremony indoors, but that didn't put a damper on the spirits of the ceremony-goers. Inside the Town Hall auditorium, attendees cheered and waved American flags as a medley of patriotic tunes filled the air.
Although it was the first Memorial Day parade since 2003 to be canceled, parade grand marshal Tracy Sugarman, a World War II veteran who served on D-Day, helped put things in perspective.
"I just wanted to remind you that we all prepare, we all have our hopes up, and I really feel so terrible for the kids who were cheated out of today, however, life goes on," Sugarman, 89, said after explaining how D-Day was unexpectedly postponed by one day.
As Sugarman explained to the crowd, Memorial Day isn't just about parades it's about honoring those who died fighting for our freedom.
"On Memorial Day, we look backward with pride and gratitude to those who sacrificed so much for us," Sugarman said. "And we look to our kids and think of the future, and pray they will continue to do the hard work of the free people that will keep us the most fortunate place on Earth."
Sugarman also paid tribute to those who have, and continue, to serve the country, saying their sacrifices should honored as well. We may quarrel about the necessity for our war, but we should never quarrel about the devotion and dedication of the men and women who we send to fight."
Did the rain ruin any of your Memorial Day plans? How did you spend the day? Please leave a comment below!
(This story was updated to include more photos from the ceremony and quotes from Tracy Sugarman.)
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