WESTPORT — As plans for this year’s Memorial Day parade take shape, a void will be felt at the heart of the organizational efforts.

William “Bill” Vornkahl III, who as president of the Westport Veterans Council was a longtime force behind local veterans programs — particularly, plans for the annual Memorial Day parade — died in January.

Because of his pivotal role in organizing the event, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Parade.”

To honor Vornkahl’s patriotic legacy, parade planners have announced the theme for floats in this year’s Memorial Day event will be the American flag.

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

The Memorial Day parade will step off at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27, on Riverside Avenue, and follow its traditional route through downtown. The line of march heads to the Post Road, crosses the Saugatuck River, continuing to Myrtle Avenue, to Main Street and ending at Parker Harding Plaza.