On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, the City of Rye continued its tradition of honoring service members who died while serving their country, with a ceremony at Rye Firehouse. The parade had been cancelled due to weather.
American Legion Post 128 Commander Fred de Barros led the ceremony.
Mayor Josh Nathan, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, and NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis offered welcoming remarks and greetings.
US Congressman George Latimer spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day and presented our Post a flag which was flown over the US Capitol.
Principal Speaker
This year’s principal speaker was Joshua Gaccione, Director, Westchester County Veterans Service Agency.
Joshua Gaccione is a dedicated public servant, educator, and veteran advocate whose career was defined by a deep commitment to the veteran community and civic leadership. He was serving as the Director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency and brought 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 informed his lifelong mission to support those who had worn the uniform.
Americanism Award
The Rye American Legion Americanism Award was presented to Rye resident Laura Pellegrini.
Laura was deeply rooted in grassroots work and turned ideas into action quickly. She led emergency supply drives—mobilizing donations and volunteers after local flooding and again following the California wildfires.
She was 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 led these efforts, mothers often provided the support that made them possible.
In Rye, she helped launch and grow the community’s reverse Advent baskets, partnering with Rye Troop 2. She was also 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 continued to guide patients through mammograms and other challenging tests with steady support.
Legionnaire Terry McCartney read the Roll of Honor.
Legionnaire Tim Moynihan read the “Oldham Letter”.
Rev. Matt Stone of Christ’s Church, Rye led the Invocation.
The John M. Kingery Memorial Day Essay Contest Award was presented to Elle Talbott of Rye High School who submitted the winning essay on “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”
The ceremony included the traditional recitation of the Gettysburg Address by Ali Brand of Rye Middle School.
The program also included recognition of seven Rye Eagle Scouts.
Robin Latimer, president of the Rye American Legion Auxiliary, sang patriotic songs. Michael Talbott from Rye High School played Taps.
Read more at myrye.com: https://myrye.com/2026/05/rye-memorial-day-ceremony/
The City of Rye video of the cermony: https://ryeny.new.swagit.com/videos/389034
Photos below.
Rye, NY American Legion Post 128 