Rye paid a Veterans Day tribute on Sunday to its residents who have made the supreme sacrifice and all veterans who have fought for American freedom.
The ceremony was led by veteran George Szczerba and attended by about 50 people. Rev. Joseph Lim, Lt. Col USAF (Ret.) gave the invocation. Rye Mayor Douglas French, State Assemblyman George Latimer and Westchester County Legislator Judy Myers welcomed the veterans and families. The Director of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, Gerald F. Culliton, was the principal speaker and Commander Szcerba gave the closing remarks.
Read Rye Mayor Douglas French's speech here:
To the members of American Legion Rye Post 128 and their families, as Mayor, there are many ceremonies that I am invited to, but few are more profound to me than to stand here with the veterans and heroes of Rye. Also, thank you to members of the community who are here today to be part of this ceremony as we honor our veterans. It means a lot that you are here. I would like to recognize our public officials: -- from the Rye City Council, Westchester County and New York State. On behalf of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, I would like to read the Congressional proclamation. The Congresswoman has served the City very well and she is always welcome in Rye even though her district has now been redrawn.
Along with what was said in the proclamation, I would add that the veterans of Rye are pillars in our community. Names like Dempsey, Saunders, and Somma. Each one of you represents a sense of patriotism -- a sense of duty that is respected and admired by the rest of us. You continue to change the lives of those around you with your presence and ongoing commitment to serving others. And our community draws strength from your veteran leadership. And we need that strength – our children, our residents and even our Mayor. Rye and Westchester have had it tough the last two weeks. But our City staff, residents, community groups – like our library, the Osborn, the Art Center, our businesses, fire, police, DPW -- all pulled together to serve the needs of others and make a difference. You are the role models that set the bar here in Rye and it’s working. So thank you for your service.
And finally, one more thank you. This is Veteran’s Day. Your day. But I called some of the veterans the other night and said I was looking to schedule Halloween some time over the weekend, given the nice weather, that power is coming back on, and we have a lot of children eager to show off their costumes. They graciously said – absolutely. So, thank you from the City and from many of the parents too.
