Westchester's Veterans Celebrated Sunday at Rye Playland

Rye Playland was the site Sunday of a celebration of Westchester County’s veterans.

The annual Veterans Appreciation Day began with a parade led by the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester and the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard, according to organizers.

The proceedings at the main stage included musical tributes, a 21-gun salute and taps, as well as remarks from County Executive Robert P. Astorino.

“We gather here today, blessed to have the opportunity to say thank you, in person, to our veterans and your families, we consider all of you heroes,” said Astorino. 

“Memorial Day, is of course a somber day for reflection and gratitude for those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said, in a prepared statement. “Anybody who has spent time with a veteran knows that as far as they’re concerned, the true heroes are the fallen buddies lost on battlefields far away.”

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During the event, Astorino announced an event to be held at the Kensico Dam Plaza on October 3 to recognize Westchester veterans who served during the Vietnam era.

The county will commission and distribute a medal to be given to every Westchester Vietnam-era veteran, including those who have died.

Veterans Appreciation Day also included a barbecue for veterans, active duty military and their families, a helicopter demonstration, free parking and unlimited ride wristbands.

Photo credit: Courtesy.