‘We can never say thank you enough’

SHRUB OAK, N.Y.—Yorktown came together to honor those who served, with veterans organizations, Scout groups, families, students and community leaders turning out for the Veterans Day parade on Sunday, Nov. 9. The annual event was organized by Paul Martin, the Yorktown Citizens Veterans Day Parade Committee, and the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion

Spectators who lined the streets waved American flags in appreciation during the parade, which stepped off from Lakeland High School and made its way to the John C. Hart Memorial Library.

Participants included Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Brownie and Cub Scout troops, as well as veterans organizations such as the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 21; American Legion Post 1009 of Yorktown Heights and its Sons and Auxiliary units; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8328; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 49; Disabled American Veterans Chapter 137; World War II and Korean War veterans; and the Jefferson Village Veterans Club. Also marching were Patrick Murphy and the Walter Panas marching band, the Yorktown Lions and Leos Club, the First Westchester-Putnam Masonic District, the Yorktown Police Department squad car leading the parade, the Yorktown Elks Club, Bill Casper and the Road Knights and the Knights of Columbus Father Damon Color Guard.

The National Anthem was sung by Yorktown High School Class of 2013 graduate and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Alyssa Martin. Taps was played by Yorktown High School senior Ichiro Iizuka.

Msgr. Joseph Giandurco of St. Patrick’s Church gave the invocation and benediction. Martin expressed gratitude to all those in attendance and recognized the veterans organizations present. Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito said Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect and honor.

“We thank our veterans for the enormous sacrifices that secured our freedoms, but we should also recognize how those sacrifices shape the little moments that make life so meaningful for us all,” Esposito said. “These simple joys exist because brave Americans like you folks out there, stood guard over our liberty, making it all possible.”

He called on those who are not veterans to remember their service and sacrifice every day.

“Don't limit your gratitude to this holiday. When you meet a veteran at the store, on the street, at a game, or wherever that may be, take a moment shake their hand, tell your children why that person is a real hero,” he said. “We can never say thank you enough.”

Tributes will continue Tuesday, Nov. 11, as the community gathers at The Veteran Memorials Circle to honor Yorktown’s veterans and their families.