It’s been a very positive and busy week during “Veterans Day Week” in Rye.
On Tuesday, Tony Bancroft, Fred de Barros, Terry McCartney and Tim Moynihan visited Rye Middle School to share their military experiences with eighth graders. Each veteran met with students for two 45-minute sessions organized by Ms. Miller, a social studies teacher at the school. The students were engaged and gave each veteran thoughtful cards and a small gift bag of candy.
Later that day, Tony B, the father of a Milton Elementary School student, and Tim M, the grandfather of two students there, joined other veterans at the school’s assembly to share their experiences.
On Wednesday, Veterans Day, our Commander Fred de Barros led the City ceremony at Rye City Hall at 10:30am. The ceremony was held outdoors since it was a beautiful day. Approximately 125 people attended.
Mayor Nathan, NYS Senator Mayer and NYS Assemblyman Otis delivered meaningful remarks. U.S. Representative Latimer could not attend because Congress was in session, but delighted attendees by calling from Washington to offer a special tribute to veterans. He had also recorded a video honoring veterans on the House floor. See the link below.
This year’s principal speaker, Rye resident Christian Wade, is a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq. Commissioned into the U.S. Army upon graduating from West Point in 2000, Chris served five years on active duty, primarily with the 3rd Infantry Division.
Chris deployed to the Middle East several times in support of the post-9/11 Global War on Terror. He served as Troop Fire Support Officer for Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry—the lead conventional U.S. Army unit in the initial three-week advance from Kuwait to Baghdad in March 2003.
In his remarks, Chris explained that differences in background, politics and upbringing disappear in combat. What matters is character, courage, competence and trust in the person beside you when a mission inevitably goes wrong. He wished more of that perspective carried over to life at home, emphasizing that the bonds uniting Americans should be stronger than their divisions.
Robin Latimer gave beautiful renditions of the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”
Immediately after the ceremony, most attendees joined the luncheon for veterans and their families at the Rye fire house on Locust Avenue. At the luncheon, Fred de Barros and Tom Moynihan presented a check for $1000 to the Rye Boys Scouts.
Later that day, Legionnaire Terry McCartney presented “Uncommon Valor: Rye Marines at Iwo Jima” at Wainwright House to approximately 50 attendees. His stirring, insightful presentation highlighted young men from Rye who answered the call to serve in the Marines and displayed extraordinary courage under fire. Terry focused on the four Rye Marines killed in the battle and discussed the 15 others from Rye who also fought there. Frank Harrigan provided additional commentary on the Rye Marines, since he had grown up with many of them.
On Friday, eight veterans plan to join Milton Elementary School’s fifth graders for breakfast and share their military experiences. We’ll provide an update afterward.
Media Links to Ceremony (including video of Chris Wade’s remarks)
US Representative Latimer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U8Bgn8cYjc
MyRye.com: https://myrye.com/2026/11/rye-veterans-day-2026/
Photos Below (click phot to enlarge)
