President of the Westport Veterans Council William Vornkahl announced today that the Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day Parade is Jean Wells.
Jean was born in Indiana on May 30, 1917. She moved to Westport in 1926 and attended Bedford Elementary School, which now houses Town Hall. Jean also attended Katherine Gibbs School.
On January 15, 1943, Jean was inducted into the SPARS, the women’s division of the Coast Guard. She served at the U.S. Naval Special Hospital in Palm Beach, Florida. She attained the rank of Yeoman 2nd Class and was discharged on September 1, 1945. Jean returned to Westport and in 1957 she married David S. Wells. They have two sons, David and Jonathan.
Jean has been very active with the Red Cross with blood drives and has volunteered at the Norwalk Hospital for over 32 years. She has found time to visit with her fellow veterans at the VA hospital as well.
Also announced today is the theme for the Memorial Day Parade float contest - “Honoring Women Veterans.”
There will be certificates awarded in the following categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and the Best Overall Float.
On Memorial Day (Monday, May 30, 2022), the Parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. The route begins on Riverside Avenue, continues east on Post Road East, to Myrtle Avenue, to Main Street, and ending at Parker Harding Plaza.
Immediately following the Parade, memorial services will be held on Veterans Green.