Veterans Day commemorations continued as a crowd gathered in Faneuil Park to witness The Garden Club of New Rochelle unveil their generous gift and tribute to our Armed Forces, the Blue Star By-Way Marker. Fanueil Park sits across the street from the New Rochelle Armory and is home to the City's World War I Memorial dedicated "To the Men of New Rochelle Who Served in the Great War for the Rights of Humanity"
Flanked by the Color Guard for the United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association, Garden Club Co-President Mary Bowles welcomed the crowd as Girl Scout and Boy Scout led off the ceremony with the Pledgs of Allegiance. A rousing rendition of the National Anthem sung by Andrea Bennett was followed by Cahplain William Moye of the VFW and American Legion. Co-President Carol Della Femina officially donated the monunment as Mayor Bramson gratefully accepted on behalf of the city. Words by Peter Parente (United Veterans of New Rochelle) and the Honorable Ronald Tocci reinforced the importance of remembering those who have served and supporting those who have yet to serve.
Chairman of the Blue Star Committee for the 9th District of FGCNYS gave a brief history of the Blue Star Memorial Markers. The Blue Star Memorial Program was adopted in 1945 by the National Council of State Garden Clubs as a means to honor our Nation's service men and women. Thousands of miles of highways and hundreds of parks have been bestowed with the symbolic "Blue Star" tribute. The ubiquitous Blue Star adorned flags and banners in front of homes, businesses and churches to honor the men and women stationed around the world during World War II.
Blue Star Committee members Mary Bowles, Carol Della Femina, Joanne Bartoli, and Ann Valentine offered their sincere thanks to all who made this event possible:
Mayor Noam Bramson, Mayor, City of New Rochelle
Peter M. Parente President, United Veterans of New Rochelle
Ms. Andrea Bennett
Frank V. Miceli, President, Sammarco Stone and Supply
William V Zimmerman, Commissioner of Parks
Anthony Tardibuono, Parks Supervisor
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Bob McCaffrey was born and raised in New Rochelle. He has worked for a major beverage company with responsibilities in sales, distribution and plant operations. He is an active member of the Mount Joy Neighborhood Association.
