Featured speaker veteran James Maisano
Once again, the City of Rye will carry on its tradition of honoring deceased veterans on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at Rye City Hall immediately following the Memorial Day parade through town, which begins at 9:30 a.m.
The Rye American Legion Post Auxiliary is organizing the parade down Purchase Street, which will feature Legionnaires, marching bands, cyclists, classic cars, Rye’s Boy and Girl Scouts, and local officials.
Post Commander Fred de Barros will lead the ceremony. Welcoming remarks and greetings will be offered by Mayor Josh Cohn, County Executive George Latimer, and State Assemblyman Steve Otis.
The keynote speaker is US Marine Corps veteran James Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He has served in that position since 2018. Previously, Mr. Maisano was elected to 11 terms on the Westchester County Board of Legislators representing District 11 (New Rochelle and Pelham). He held various leadership positions, including Vice Chair and Minority Leader and was a strong proponent of independent and bipartisan government for 21 years.
During his more than 30-year law career, he has focused on real estate and wills and estates matters, along with commercial litigation and government relations.
He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. After earning a B.A. in History and Political Science from the City University of New York at Hunter College in 1989, he received a J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law in 1992.
The Roll of Honor will be read by Legionnaire Terry McCartney.
The ceremony will include the traditional reading of the Gettysburg Address, this year by Theodore Millard of Resurrection Middle School. The John M. Kingery Memorial Day Essay Contest Awards will be presented to winning Rye High School students. The program will also include recognition of Rye Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Fr. Epi Marcaida of Resurrection Church and Pastor John Miller of Rye Presbyterian Church will lead the Invocation and Benediction, respectively. Taps will be played by Tadhg O’Brien of Rye High School.
Robin Latimer, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, will sing the National Anthem and “God Bless America”.
Additionally, Commander de Barros will honor deceased veterans buried at the John Jay estate in afternoon ceremonies.
