Memorial Day Remembrances at Peace Plaza and the Van Nest Memorial

 

Memorial Day Remembrances at Peace Plaza and the Van Nest Memorial

By Robert Press

With clouds overhead and a constant threat of rain at any time, the rain held off until the finishing speech of both the Peace Plaza and Van Nest Memorial Day Remembrances were over. In attendance were veterans, their families, community board members, union leaders, and community people who came out to remember those who gave their lives so there could be Memorial Day Remembrances, an other rallies no matter what they may be about. 

Peace Plaza is located on Williamsbridge Road at Pelham Parkway North, and the Van Nest War Memorial is located on White Plains Road and Van Nest Avenue. 

Former Marine Corp Corporal Joseph Ronda was the Emcee of the Peace Plaza Memorial Day Remembrance of those who served and died while in the armed forces. 

Bronx Commander Gene DeFrancis says a few words that Memorial Day is not a day to celebrate, but to remember those soldiers who did not come back from war, or those soldiers who have died not from war.

Mr. Ernest Shalini a local recording artist sang the National Anthem at Peace Plaza.

Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. says a few words at Peace Plaza.

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato is with Vietnam Veteran Oscar Grant as she announces that she is spons

oring a bill in the City Council to honor those veterans who served in the Vietnam War, as they did not get any respect when then returned from the war. 

Flowers were placed on the monuments as taps was played and all salute their fallen comrades in arms. 

Councilwoman Marmorato, and Assemblyman Zaccaro with the veterans in attendence at Peace Plaza. 

At the Van Nest Memorial Day Remembrance there was a small parade through some streets in Van Nest to the Van Nest War Memorial.  

The Van Nest Memorial ceremony centered around Lt. Patrick Gallagher and Cpr. Richard Parker, both of the U.S. Marine Corps, as East Bronx Historian Richard Vitacco was the emcee at Van Nest. 

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato speaks to the crowd at the Van Nest Memorial day Remembrance.

Councilwoman Marmorato with Veterans and Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance President Bernadette Ferrara, as plaques for Lt. Gallagher and Cpr. Parker are held.