Rye, NY American Legion Post 128

RYE TO HONOR ITS WAR DEAD ON MEMORIAL DAY

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, the City of Rye will continue its tradition of honoring service members who died while serving their country, with a ceremony at Rye City Hall immediately after the Memorial Day parade.

Organized by the Rye American Legion Post Auxiliary, the parade will proceed down Purchase Street and include Legionnaires, marching bands, cyclists, classic cars, Rye’s Boy and Girl Scouts, Rye school groups, and local officials. Step-off is at 9:30 a.m. at the train station, and the parade concludes at City Hall.

American Legion Post 128 Commander Fred de Barros will lead the ceremony.

Mayor Josh Nathan, US Congressman George Latimer, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis are expected to offer welcoming remarks and greetings.

Principal Speaker

This year’s principal speaker is Joshua Gaccione,Director, Westchester County Veterans Service Agency.

Joshua Gaccione is a dedicated public servant, educator, and veteran advocate whose career is defined by a deep commitment to the veteran community and civic leadership. Currently serving as the Director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, Joshua brings over two decades of experience in military operations, higher education, and local governance to his role.

A proud U.S. Army veteran and paratrooper, Joshua served in the elite 82nd Airborne Division. His military career included two combat deployments during the early stages of the Global War on Terrorism: Afghanistan in 2002 and Iraq in 2003. Having served as an enlisted soldier and earning the rank of Sergeant, Joshua’s firsthand experience in the field informs his lifelong mission to support those who have worn the uniform.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts from Brooklyn College. He is currently a PhD candidate, focusing his dissertation on the evolution of veteran service organizations, bridging historical research with modern advocacy.

As an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) and Lehman College, Joshua teaches courses in English and History. A champion for student veterans, he created and taught a specialized College Success class designed specifically to help transitioning veterans navigate the unique challenges of moving from the battlefield to the classroom.

Before his appointment to lead the County Veterans Service Agency in 2025, Joshua spent twelve years overseeing the veterans program at SUNY WCC, ensuring student veterans received the resources and mentorship necessary to thrive.

Beyond his professional roles, Joshua is deeply rooted in his local community where he serves as a Village Trustee for the Village of Tuckahoe,  and contributes as a board member for Volunteer New York and the Eastchester Veterans Foundation.

Americanism Award

The Rye American Legion Americanism Award will be presented to Rye resident Laura Pellegrini. 

Laura is deeply rooted in grassroots work and turns ideas into action quickly. She has led emergency supply drives—mobilizing donations and volunteers after local flooding and again following the California wildfires.

She is a role model as a parent, family member, and community advocate, with a steady commitment to her values. She also supported her son Marc’s Eagle Scout service project to place veterans’ flags at the cemetery—a reminder that while Scouts lead these efforts, mothers often provide the support that makes them possible.

In Rye, she has helped launch and grow the community’s reverse Advent baskets, partnering with Rye Troop 2. She has also been an active presence in local schools while raising four sons from kindergarten through graduation.

She taught religious education at Resurrection Church for many years. In her work at Greenwich Hospital radiology, she continues to guide patients through mammograms and other challenging tests with steady support.

Legionnaire Terry McCartney will read the Roll of Honor.

Legionnaire Tim Moynihan will read the “Oldham Letter”.  

Rev. Matt Stone of Christ’s Church, Rye will lead the Invocation.

The John M. Kingery Memorial Day Essay Contest Award will be presented to the Rye High School student who submitted the winning essay on “What Memorial Day Means to Me.” The ceremony will include the traditional recitation of the Gettysburg Address by a student from Resurrection School. The program will also include recognition of a Rye Eagle Scouts.

Robin Latimer, president of the Rye American Legion Auxiliary will sing patriotic songs. Michael Talbott from Rye High School will play Taps.