Everything takes time – but good things are worth waiting for.

That's the timeless message from County Executive Robert P. Astorino and the owners of Wilson & Son Jewelers who gathered recently outside the Westchester County Center near Tarrytown Road to dedicate the new clock donated by the jewelers.     

 The clock cost about $30,000. It replaces one erected in 1999 and destroyed when struck by a motorist in July 2008. Almost immediately, Wilson & Son Jewelers offered to create and fund a replacement. The site was prepared with the assistance of the county's Parks and Public Works departments.

 

Joining Astorino at the event Friday was Matthew and Michael Wilson and their parents, Ira and Lynne, at whose suggestion the clock will be dedicated in honor of Westchester's veterans. Also in attendance was Assemblyman Robert Castelli.

"This dedication to the county's veterans is particularly timely, with our troops coming home from Iraq," said Astorino. "I want to thank the Wilson family for their constant attention to this project. Because of their effort, we have a beautiful clock at the site and a reminder of the debt we owe to our veterans."

On the pedestal of the clock is a plaque that says: "We dedicate this clock to the brave veterans of Westchester County. This clock shall serve as a permanent reminder, not only of the time but of the important people in our lives who have sacrificed so much to preserve our safety, freedom, and way of life."

Said Matthew Wilson, "By dedicating this clock to our veterans, we are hoping to raise people's awareness of the contribution and sacrifice of our veterans."

The new clock is not far from other historic areas around the County Center. Nearby, by the entrance to the Bronx River Parkway, are dozens of trees planted more than 90 years ago in honor and memory of those veterans who helped liberate France during World War I.