In celebration of New Rochelle's founding by the Huguenots over 320 years ago, the New Rochelle Sister City Committee will present a Bastille Day flag-raising ceremony on Friday June 13 at 10 AM. The event will take place in front of City Hall. Bastille Day, the French national holiday recalling the storming of the French king’s political prison, recognizes the French Revolution as direct result of the lessons learned in the American Revolution and expounded in the Declaration of Independence.

The ceremony includes greetings by Mayor Noam Bramson, a talk by James S. Kaplan, Esq., Attorney-at-Law and Sister City Committee member, “Marquis de Lafayette: The French Aristocrat and Important Founder of American Democracy”, and a brief note on “Why We Celebrate Bastille Day” by Peter A. Korn, of the Sister City Initiative. Celebrants and guests will witness the raising of the tri-color of the French Republic and sing, “La Marseillaise”, the French national anthem, and "The Star Spangled Banner".

On December 23^rd the New Rochelle Fire Fighters organized their 6^th annual “Bring Holiday Cheer” to others that are less fortunate. This year and for the past 5, fire fighters and their families gave back to their community. This year the Fire Fighters were able to visit 5 families where Fire Fighters and their family members went to the homes of those that are less fortunate to spread holiday cheer by bringing Christmas trees, wrapped gifts and food. It’s just another way that Fire Fighters give back to their community; it’s something that they love to do it.  And just this past Halloween and for the last 10 years, the New Rochelle Firefighters bring Halloween to the Children’s Cancer Hospital where they dress up in various costumes, deliver candy, and spend the day face and wall painting with all of the children bringing smiles to those that sometimes find it hard to smile. The New Rochelle Fire Fighters are always finding ways to give back to the community that they protect.

We want to wish Happy Holidays to all!

New Rochelle’s Bravest

It's that time of year again. Frenzied shopping, decking the halls, getting ready for family and friends and all that goes along with it. Don't forget to take time for yourself and those close to you as we share the holiday spirit.  Here's wishing you all the magic of a childs' Christmas morning and the quiet peace of an overnight snowfall.

Back in 2009, I offered a wish for the troops to come home and share the best gift of all, Christmas Morning around the tree with family. It looks like many were granted that wish this year, but remember, the war isn't over yet, in spite of what they say. Tens of thousands will be serving our Nation far from home this Christmas, so let's try to keep them in mind as we count our blessings. Shake their hand when they come home and say a prayer for them until they do.

Here's a little Christmas music - enjoy!

Merry Christmas New Rochelle

Dona Nobis Pacem