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