WESTPORT — Stepping out under mist-shrouded skies, marchers in the town’s Memorial Day parade paid a spirited hometown tribute Monday to the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of American freedom.

Flags held high, marchers were cheered on by crowds along the parade route. The colorful community tradition included the smartly uniformed ranks of police officers and firefighters, delegations from veterans’ and civic organizations, contingents of Scouts, school and church groups and, of course, marching bands.

Followed by a Veterans Green ceremony, local Memorial Day events underscored Abraham Lincoln’s message in his Gettysburg address 161 years ago: “… that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”