There were no 21-gun salutes or bands playing "Hail to the Chief" at inaugural ceremonies in Westport and Fairfield Monday night, but the occasions were just as important in their own way as the grander celebration that takes place every four years in the nation's capital.

The world has seen much horrendous human carnage in the 91 years since the Armistice ending World War I was signed at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918.
World War II, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq - the toll of wars, and deaths, is long, and growing each day.