Rye honored its veterans on November 11, 2021 with a ceremony on the Rye City Village Green.
This was the first live ceremony in nearly two years due to the pandemic. The day was a beautiful fall day, cool and sunny. Over 125 people attended the ceremony.
Rye American Legion Post 128 Commander Fred de Barros led the ceremony. He began by thanking Rye’s Midland Elementary School for a big collection of cards from students thanking veterans. He then announced the formation of the Rye Sons of American Legion to be commanded by Jeff Dempsey. (Note: read more on Sons of American Legion here) And then he introduced each veteran by name in the audience. We had an excellent showing by Rye American Legion Post 128 Legionnaires.
Commander de Barros then introduced Mayor Cohn, thanking him for his support of the new plague planned for post-Vietnam veterans to be placed alongside other plaques at City Hall.
Welcoming remarks were made by Mayor Cohn, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis. All thanked veterans for their service and relayed personal experiences with veterans.
The principal speaker was Mary Ann Calbo, American Legion Representative to Montrose VA Hospital. She gave a passionate talk about Montrose VA Hospital services and the need for support and funding for those services. She thanked the Rye Post for the donations over the years.
Rye Boy Scouts provided the color guard for the ceremony. Robin Latimer, Commander of Rye American Legion Auxiliary beautifully sang God Bless America.
Video of ceremony can be seen here: https://ryeny.new.swagit.com/videos/148120
Rye, NY American Legion Post 128 