Memorial Day Commemoration Pays Tribute to War Dead and Veterans Everywhere, Including Bronxville's; See Photos
By Carol P. Bartold
May 27, 2015: A blending of the past, present, and future, along with community unity achieved by people from backgrounds diverse in religion, civic service professions, business, and politics, marked Bronxville's 95th annual Memorial Day parade and commemoration on Monday, May 25.
Grand Marshal Fr. Peter McGeory, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, opened the morning's ceremonies at Leonard Morange Park by reminding the assembly of parade units and observers that Memorial Day is a "time for all of us to remember what we are trying to teach our children and our children's children."
With a volley of musket fire from the Fifth New York Regiment, military veterans and family members of fallen servicemen and women laid wreaths at the monuments to World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War in Leonard Morange Square next to the Bronxville railroad station.
Then the parade marched down the railroad underpass and along Pondfield Road to The Bronxville School, where the commemoration continued on the school's front steps and lawn. The Bronxville High School vocal group SHA!cappella sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" to open the ceremonies.
"In the last few years," said Mayor Mary Marvin, "we have renewed our efforts to ensure that honoring current Bronxville servicemen and women takes its rightful place on center stage so we do not ever take for granted those most deserving of our gratitude." She cited Grand Marshal Fr. McGeory as "precisely one of those most deserving of our praise" and expressed gratefulness in being able to honor him publicly.
"Today is the proper time to honor the sacrifices of those who allow us to be here today," Marvin said.
She told of Fr. McGeory's being witness to sacrifice during his service as a chaplain in the United States Navy. While serving in the Persian Gulf on a ship during the Iran-Iraq War, the nearby USS Stark was struck by two Iraqi missiles, immediately killing 35 crewmen. Fr. McGeory rushed to the aid of the ship and was the only chaplain on board to minister to the wounded and dying.
Marvin noted that such a spirit of caring and compassion has a long history in Bronxville during times when local lives were lost in war.
"The way we treat our veterans sends a powerful message to the next generation," Marvin noted, "and an equally powerful message to our active duty troops. Today we reflect upon what it means to have character, dignity, honor, bravery, and courage."
Trustee Guy Longobardo read the honor roll of Bronxville veterans who have died since Memorial Day 2014.
Representatives from such local groups as the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce, Gramatan Village, The Bronxville Women's Club, The Bronxville Historical Conservancy, the Bronxville Police Department, and the Eastchester Fire Department laid memorial wreaths at the foot of the school flagpole. Mayor Marvin laid a memorial wreath on behalf of the village.
"I represent so many of the living veterans who are proud to have served their country," Grand Marshal Fr. Peter McGeory said. "Be grateful and thankful and remember all of the people who have gone before us to pave the way and pay the price for our freedoms."
To see photos of the parade, the ceremony, the James E. Kearney Run for Fun, and Bronxville PTA events, click here: Memorial Day 2015.
Pictured here: Grand Marshal Fr. Peter McGeory giving a Memorial Day address on the front steps of The Bronxville School.
Photo by N. Bower; photos in link by N. Bower and A. Warner
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
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Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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