This year, Wilton residents will notice something new beautifying Wilton Center. Adorning the Town Center lampposts that line River Rd. and Old Ridgefield Rd. are American flags. They’ve been purchased with funds raised by the Wilton Kiwanis Club and gifted to the town.
The idea came from former First Selectman Bill Brennan, who recommended that the money raised and donated by Kiwanis be used to purchase flags.
“In talking to other Veterans, I’ve thought our town should proclaim our patriotism as other towns have done by honoring our American Flag. Kiwanis is proud to make this happen,” Brennan said.
The Stars and Stripes were put up this week by Wilton’s Parks and Recreation crews in time for this weekend’s Memorial Day Parade, and they will remain flying on lampposts through the summer alongside the beloved flower baskets.
Former First Selectman Bill Brennan came up with the idea to gift the town with money to purchase American flags for the Wilton Center lampposts. Credit: Bill Brennan / Wilton Kiwanis Club 
(L-R) Kiwanis Club members present a check to the town for the purchase of American Flags to hang on Wilton Center lampposts. (L-R) Bill Brennan, Jack McFadden, First Selectman Toni Boucher, Kiwanis President Mike Whitted, Mike Safko, Mary Anne Franco, Rudi Hoefling, Dave Gortz, Mike Boscaino and Frank Mabley Credit: Wilton Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club has a strong connection to Memorial Day events in Wilton as the day starts for many parade goers with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Congregational Church — a Wilton tradition for more than 50 years — with pancakes, sausage, blueberry topping, and beverages. People can enjoy breakfast seated at community tables on the church’s front lawn and watch the parade from a great vantage point.
“The location is ideal as it’s along the end of the parade route and the Middlebrook Band plays festive music in front of the church,” Kiwanian Jack McFadden said. “For me it’s a ‘Norman Rockwell’ setting that stirs the heart and fills me with pride for our wonderful community.”
Kiwanis President Mike Whitted praised member Joe Fiteni, who is leading the massive organization necessary to make the breakfast a success, as well as Kiwanians directly involved in the Remembrance Ceremony at Hillside Cemetery after the parade.
“[Longtime Kiwanis Club member] Jeff Turner in his Navy whites is always a commanding presence,” Whitted said.
The Kiwanis Memorial Day Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. The cost is $15 for adults, $8 for kids, and children under age 5 eat for free; a family maximum is set at $ 50.