Westchester County will say thank you to its veterans with a traditional Memorial Day ceremony topped off by a day of rides, a helicopter search and rescue demonstration by the U.S. Marine Corps, and a performance by the West Point Concert Band at Playland Park on Sunday, May 29.
It is one of the many events honoring veterans to be held over the next 10 days. A list of all Memorial Day ceremonies starting Saturday, May 21 is available on the Westchester County Veterans Events Page.
Registration for Veterans and Service Member Appreciation Day will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and parking pass distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rye park will be open between 12 noon to 11 p.m. The Memorial Day ceremony will include an honor guard, firing squad and bugler, and be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Music Tower Theater. The West Point Concert Band will also be participating in the ceremony.
A Marine Corps demo, which includes landing and manning a perimeter while two gunships provide “cover,” will be from 2-4 p.m. (weather and aircraft permitting). A gunnery sergeant will provide a narrative as the helicopters complete their show and then open to the public for tours. After the demonstration, the helicopters will be available for public display along with the weapons typically used by a Marine Corps rifle platoon. The participating Marines are part of a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force from 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC.
Veterans with valid ID cards get one free parking pass, one free admission wrist band and discounts on rides for themselves and their immediate family. OIF/OEF veterans and active duty military personnel get one free parking pass, free admission wrist bands and or free ride wrist bands for themselves and their immediate family.
The following proofs will be accepted: military ID, veteran organization membership card, Dept. of VA medical ID card or DD-214/separation papers.
Veterans can still pre-register and get a pass for free parking according to the schedule below. Office hours are Monday - Friday only.
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
|---|---|---|
|
May 20 |
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Glen Island Park |
|
May 16 – 27 |
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Westchester County Veterans, (914) 995-2145 |
|
May 16 – 27 |
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Yonkers Veterans Service Agency, (914) 377-6700 |
|
May 16 – May 27 |
Call for times | Mt. Vernon Veterans Service Agency, (914) 665-2319 |
For more information, call the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency at (914) 995-2145.