We enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the sacrifices made by our veterans. That was the message of Sabrina Murphy, CEO of the Rye YMCA, and the keynote speaker at the city’s annual Veteran’s Day observance held Tuesday at City Hall.
“Honoring veterans is a shared responsibility,” she said, noting that in 1941, the national YMCA was one of several organizations that founded the USO (United Service Organizations). She then told the tale of a French Bulldog named Mutt, who as a member of the YMCA Cigarette Dog delivery service, was trained to deliver cigarettes and “small comforts” to soldiers in the trenches. Though injured twice, Mutt continued to do his job as “mascot and trench runner” for the soldiers of the 11th Engineers. Although there is no proof, Murphy said, many believe that Mutt came from the Rye YMCA and was eventually safely returned to New York.
More than 100 people jammed into the room for the ceremony, hosted by Rye’s American Legion Post 128. As the crisp air swirled with the first snowflakes of the season, Rye residents like Ron Prata a 25-year Air Force veteran born in Rye, who has lived in town for 80 years, Jerry Marchesi, a Vietnam Veteran, who has lived here for 54 years, Andrew Manto, a Vietnam vet who has lived her for more than 50 years, and his wife Claire found their seats.
They and the many others present heard Murphy talk of her love for Rye. She said that “every act of care matters.” And she said that over her career, she accompanied 8th graders on trips to visit historical sites, including Gettsyburg, Philadelphia, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where, she said, “Silence speaks louder than lectures.”
Rye Boy Scout Troop No. 2 greeted guests, as is Rye tradition. The troop, founded at Milton School in 1916, pre-dates the end of World War I. Scout Master Chris Carballo, whose own father was a U.S. Marine, said the boys, who handed out programs and set up chairs inside, “are learning an appreciation for the greatest service.”
Fred de Barros, commander of the Rye American Legion Post 128 said that he was overjoyed with the turnout and welcomed veterans, their families, and legislators alike.
Photo Jaime Gonzalez
After the Presentation of Colors by the Sons of American Honor Guard, Robin Latimer, American Legion Auxilliary President and wife of U.S. Rep. George Latimer, led the entire room in singing the National Anthem. The Rev. Cari Pattison of Rye Presbyterian Church gave the invocation, asking those present to join her to pray for veterans to have the resources they need.
Mayor Josh Cohn thanked the veterans for the “great gift of service,” saying that “those who served with honor deserve our great care.”
George Latimer, with a wry reference to the weather, noted that veterans often serve in extreme climates, citing “North Korea, Iraq, and the jungles of Vietnam.”
“Veteran services,” he said, “should not be part of political argument.” He looked behind him to point out his former Rye City Council seat and then noted he was about to get on a train to Washington, D.C. implying that much work awaited him.
New York State Assemblyman Steven Otis said all of our lives would be very different if the military battles of past generations had turned out differently. He spoke directly to the veterans present, saying “It is always an honor to be in the presence of veterans.” He called the “forced retirements” and “staffing cuts” of career military leaders “unacceptable.”
To conclude the ceremony, Robin Latimer sang “God Bless America” as the crowd joined in. After, all were invited to the Rye firehouse on Locust Avenue for a luncheon reception.
