Westchester County honored the military heroes whose lives were lost in the service of our country at the County's annual Memorial Day Service on Friday, May 23 at Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial in Katonah.
Standing in the shadow of Westchester’s Veterans Museum, County Executive Ken Jenkins and Veterans Service Agency Director Joshua Gaccione joined residents, veterans and elected officials from across the County to recognize the sacrifice of men and women who gave all in our defense since the nation was founded.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said: "We owe a profound debt to all who serve, but our debt to those who gave their lives for our freedom is exceptional. It's a debt we can never pay off in full. We can't return them to their loved ones, or give them back the lifetime of opportunities they sacrificed for us. But we can make sure their sacrifice was not in vain. We pay back our obligation to them a little bit every day, by committing ourselves to continuing their mission to protect and defend the United States and preserve our values of freedom and democracy."
Veterans Service Agency Director Josh Gaccione said: "We gather to honor the memory of more than one million souls lost in the service of this country since it began as just an idea in 1776. Each one of those individuals cherished life. But each sacrificed it all to protect and defend us, to protect and defend the American idea -- that all men are born equal and free with God-given rights, and that government of the people, by the people and for the people is worth the sometimes-terrible cost required to defend it."
Friday’s ceremony took place in the shadow of the County’s Veterans Museum which recently opened a new exhibit, “The American Civil War: A War of Firsts.” The exhibit explores the significant innovations in warfare, medicine, weaponry, transportation, and other vital advancements that emerged during the Civil War, highlighting how these developments shaped the future of armed conflict and medical practices and featuring interactive displays and opportunities for visitors to learn about the innovations that emerged during the Civil War.
The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lasdon Park is also home to Westchester’s Veterans Memorial pathway, known as the Trail of Honor, dedicated to the veterans of Westchester County, from The American Revolution to Desert Storm. A visit to Lasdon is a great way to mark Memorial Day and honor the service of our military heroes.