At a solemn Memorial Day Service on Friday at Lasdon Public Gardens and Veterans Memorial, Westchester County paid tribute to the military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom.
County Executive Ken Jenkins and Veteran Service Agency Director Joshua Gaccione were joined by Mount Vernon Veteran Services Director and Marine combat veteran Andrea Molina, Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi, Westchester American Legion Vice Commander Steve Felsenfeld, and dozens of other elected officials and local veterans in honoring the fallen.
Jenkins said: “This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. But before there was a country, there was an army, founded in 1775. Our freedom came with a pre-condition — that people would be willing to fight for it, and, if necessary, lay down their lives More than a million patriots have died in service since then, leaving behind loved ones to grieve and opportunities that could have been. Our gratitude for their sacrifice is real, but we owe them more. We must honor their sacrifice through action by continuing to protect and defend the freedoms they died for, by caring for the families of the fallen and by supporting those who serve and return, which Westchester will always do.”
Gaccione said: “As Americans, we live privileged lives. We live today, free to gather, free to express ourselves, free to worship and live and love. But, as Franklin Roosevelt said, ‘Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them.’ Our charge is to make sure that Americans never forget. Our freedom endures because some were willing to give all to preserve it. We honor their sacrifice today with humble gratitude and reverence, with promise never to forget them and pledge to continue the fight for freedom so their sacrifice with never be in vain.”
Molina said: “In a time where everything is automated, instant and focused on immediate gratification, our memories can easily fade. Today, let us pause and remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, for those who gave everything in service to our nation — and for the families who continue to carry that loss. Semper Fidelis.”