Westchester Honors Fallen Afghanistan Hero

 On the 72nd anniversary of the D Day Allied Invasion at Normandy, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino joined the family of Staff Sgt. Joseph Lemm of Harrison and nearly 100 guests to dedicate a plaque in his honor at the Kensico Dam Memorial Walkway.

Detective Lemm was a 15-year veteran of the NYPD as well as a staff sergeant in the U.S. National Guard.

He was on his third deployment when he was one of six American soldiers killed in a Taliban attack near Bagram Air Base.

The June 6 ceremony began with a procession led by the Pipes and Drums of the Westchester Police Emerald Society, followed by remarks from Director of the Westchester Veterans Service Agency, Ronald Tocci and the county executive.

“Often we wonder if the best of America is past us, if today’s Americans are no longer capable of the guts and greatness that marked previous generations,” said Astorino. “In Staff Sergeant Joseph Lemm we find an answer. Yes. Not only was Joseph Lemm a throwback to the greatest generation, he was the greatest of our generation today.”

Astorino then escorted Joseph Lemm’s family, his wife Christine and his children Brooke and Ryan, to place a wreath at the plaque under a tree on the Memorial Walkway. A Rifle Salute was then followed by Taps.

 During his State of the County Address in April, Astorino awarded Lemm with Westchester County’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

SEE ALSO:

• Seeing Sgt. Lemm Home 
  
• Line of Blue on 5th Avenue for Lemm's Funeral 
  
• NY to Fly Flags at Half-Staff Dec. 23
  
• Concert to Honor Joseph Lemm to Be Held in Port Chester