2023 Wreath-Laying Ceremonies

The laying of wreaths signifies our continuous commitment

to honor America’s bravest sons and daughters

The Town of Westport's annual Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The ceremony schedule is:

• 9:00 AM ~ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post ~ We start at VFW Post 8502 at 843 State Road, which is named for three members of the Ouellette family ~ Wilfred, Arthur, and Raymond ~ who were killed in action during World War II.
• 9:15 AM ~ American Legion Post ~ Our second stop is the historic American Legion at 489 Sanford Road, home of the American Legion James Morris Post 145, which has been in existence for over 100 years.
• 9:30 AM ~ Latessa Square ~ Our third stop is the memorial at the intersection of Tickle Road and Oak Avenue that is named for PFC Andre Latessa, US Marine Corps, who was killed in action in Vietnam on Aug. 18, 1967, at 19 years old.
• 10:00 AM ~ Fontaine Bridge ~ We head south for our fourth stop at the bridge on Route 88, which is named for SP4 Normand Fontaine, US Army, who was killed in action in Vietnam on May 8, 1968, at 19 years old. The ceremony takes place on the northbound side at the small building.
• 10:15 AM ~ Westport Point ~ We end at the harbor at the southernmost end of Main Road. The significance of tossing a bouquet into the water is to honor those service members who were lost at sea.

Ceremony Ritual ~ Reading of memorial poem, laying of wreath/bouquet toss, rifle salute by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 207 honor guard, and playing of TAPS

Anyone who wishes to observe the ceremonies should meet in the VFW parking lot no later than 9 AM, or at whichever location they choose at least 10 minutes prior to the designated time.

For information, contact Veterans’ Service Officer Carol Freitas at 508-636-1028 or freitasc@westport-ma.gov.