You may also go to YouTube to watch the memorial ceremony.
Each year the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency gathers with family members of fallen servicemen at the Memorial Tree Walkway at Kensico Dam Plaza for the national observance of the Gold Star Mothers Ceremony. Gold Star Mothers, families, veterans and friends attend this ceremony as we remember, reflect and honor the memory of these fallen heroes.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This is about a life cut short. For these Gold Star Mothers, and Gold Star Families, we know they have to live every single day for the rest of their natural lives with the pain of loss. They have to think about all the moments that would have happened, all the joy they would have had, if their son or daughter lived. That is why, at the very least, we have a responsibility to them to never forget the sacrifices that were made, what was lost and the family that lost a loved one.”
Who are Gold Star Mothers
American Gold Star Mothers was formed after World War I to provide support for mothers who lost sons or daughters in the war. The name originated from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a service flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. Today, membership in Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. Read more about the Gold Star Mothers organization's beginnings.
Memorial Walkway
Kensico Dam Plaza is the site of the county’s Memorial Walkway. The walkway was created to honor the heroes who died while serving in military campaigns that followed the 9/11 terror attacks. Many were inspired to military service because of the September 11 attacks on America; and for that reason, the Memorial Walkway was established adjacent to “The Rising,” the County’s memorial to those killed on September 11.