By Staff

May 25, 2020: Memorial Day in Bronxville is typically one of the community's biggest events and includes a fair with rides and food, a big parade, tributes to veterans, and lots of red, white, and blue decor. 

This year, due to COVID-19, the community could not be together, but this did keep Bronxvillians from honoring local veterans.

The Bronxville School held a Memorial Day Commemorative Program on YouTube.

Bronxville School Superintendent, Roy Montesano, presided over the program. He honored a number of extraordinary local veterans as well as the "heroes of today" - healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. He also recognized Bronxville staff and students who has served or are currently serving in the military.

Bronxville veteran Vito Pinto spoke about the sacrifices of veterans as well as the heroes of today. He also talked about how the class of 2020 had lost part of their traditions this year but that this was also true of the "greatest generation," many of whom dropped out of school to serve their country. The "greatest generation" ultimately became an inspiration to future generations.

The program also included two student speakers, student awards, and patriotic music. Click here to watch the full program. 

The Bronxville School PTA created the "BronxvilleTogether" Memorial Day program. This program included the opportunity to purchase a $50 tote that included a $25 gift card to support local restaurants and other items for a Memorial Day celebration. The program encouraged villagers to purchase food and drink from local participating businesses for their family BBQs.  

The program was a big success with nearly 400 bags sold. The PTA sold 300 and the Chamber of Commerce sold the balance. Within the totes were gift cards that total $10,000 and are redeemable at most stores in Bronxville. 

"It was a really fun way to mark the Memorial Day Holiday, create some community spirit and give back," said Suzette Sands, PTA President. "We were really not sure how things would go but the community enthusiastically embraced the effort."  

The Village honored village veterans who had passed away over the past year in a display on the corner of Midland and Pondifled and in an audio message sent on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. 

In this message, Mayor Marvin and Chief of Police, Christopher Satriale, read the names of the honored veterans and Mayor Marvin quoted both Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, and politician and diplomat, Adlai Stevenson as follows:

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." Truman

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Stevenson

Below are the names of the Bronxville village veterans honored.

Vito Lucchesi, US Army

John B. Cascale Jr., US Army

Douglas H. Maynard, US Navy

Gerard K. Devine, US Army

William C. Petty III, US Navy

Wiliam L Ellis, Jr., US Naval Reserve

George M Rawlings, US Navy

Michael E. Fleming, US Navy

Thomas F. Ruhm, US Army

Peter W. Hartmann, US Army

Robert H. Shaw, Sr., US Army

Walter J Kenney, US Navy

Charles J. Urstadt, US Navy

George Lawrence, US Army

Douglas Wise, US Army

Click here to hear the full audio message.

Photos by A. Warner