Grand Marshal Announced For 2022 Westport Memorial Day Parade

WESTPORT, CT — William Vornkahl, president of the Westport Veterans Council, announced Tuesday that Jean Wells will serve as grand marshal for the 2022 Memorial Day Parade.

The parade is scheduled to take place May 30 at 9 a.m., beginning on Riverside Avenue, continuing east on Post Road East, to Myrtle Avenue, to Main Street and ending at Parker Harding Plaza. Memorial services will be held on Veterans Green immediately following the parade.

According to a news release provided by the Parks & Recreation Department, Wells moved to Westport in 1926 and attended Bedford Elementary School, which is now Town Hall. She also attended Katherine Gibbs School.

On Jan. 15, 1943, Wells 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, Fla., attained the rank of Yeoman 2nd Class and was discharged on Sept. 1, 1945.

After returning to Westport, Wells married David Wells in 1957. They have two sons, David and Jonathan.

Wells has also been very active with the Red Cross, taking part in blood drives, and volunteered at Norwalk Hospital for over 32 years. She has found time to visit with her fellow veterans at the VA hospital as well, according to the release.

Vornkahl also announced Tuesday the theme for the parade's float contest this year will be "honoring women veterans."

Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful and Best Overall Float.