Mild weather attracted hundreds for a parade through the Silver Lake section of Harrison, featuring police and firefighters, military jeeps, Marine Corps color guard units, bands, cheerleaders and scouts.
Veterans spoke about the importance of thanking and welcoming soldiers, especially those struggling to find employment and stability once they return home.
Joseph Mazzulo, commander of the Carle Anderson Post 559 American Legion Post, also encouraged residents to donate to Wounded Warriors, fisherhouse.org and other organizations helping veterans and their families.
Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini also spoke at the ceremony, saying, "I'm humbled to be here. I'm proud to be a citizen of Harrison, looking around at all the people.''
Marraccini said his father, a World War II veteran, died earlier this year, and embodied patriotism. When veterans return from battle, Marraccini said, "I don't think they get the support they need."
A few miles away in White Plains, the city's annual Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in White Plains Rural Cemetery, 167 N. Broadway.
This event was organized by the Mayor’s Veterans Committee and featured recollections and insights by keynote speaker Army Captain Joshua Taft. This year, the Veterans Committee honored Malcolm Baehr, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
Mayor Thomas Roach said, “I would like to thank the White Plains Jewish War Veterans Post 191 for hosting this event as well as the Mayor’s Veterans Committee for all of their work on behalf of the veterans."
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