Westchester Reporter

Westchester County held a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veteran’s Museum in Lasdon Park, Katonah. The event was led by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, and Veterans Service Agency Director Ron Tocci. They were joined by New York State Veteran’s Services Department Commissioner Viviana DeCohen.

During the ceremony, George Latimer addressed the veterans saying, “Whether you served in war time or in peace time; whether you carried weapons into battle, served as a medic, or worked in support and logistics --- you made a sacrifice for us, you chose to risk all for us, you swore a solemn oath to protect and defend our shared Constitution. You are our heroes. We are proud of you. We are humbled by your sacrifice. And, as a county and a nation, we are grateful beyond measure.”

Ken Jenkins emphasized the county's commitment to veterans: “Our appreciation and respect for the sacrifice and dedication of our veterans is profound. In Westchester County, we thank you for your service to us through our service to you – making sure our veterans are eligible for the maximum allowable property tax exemptions, helping service disabled veteran-owned businesses in County contracting, preventing veteran homelessness through our Patriot Housing Initiative. These are just some of the living, daily ways we say ‘thank you.’”

Ron Tocci highlighted the importance of honoring veterans: “Never have so few given so much to our country as our nation's veterans. On this day, and every day, it's important that we thank them for their service. But just as important is showing our friends and neighbors that a life of military service is something we cherish, honor and respect as a society.”

Viviana DeCohen also spoke on the significance of Veterans Day: “Veterans Day recognizes the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have protected our freedoms, reminding us of the profound impact their contributions have on our lives. My thanks to Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Westchester County Veterans Service Agency Director Ronald Tocci, and all Westchester County residents for their steadfast commitment to recognizing America’s heroes on Veterans Day and every day. May God bless America’s veterans and their families; we are forever grateful for your honorable service.”