Sept. 25, 2017 - In a solemn ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 24, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino expressed gratitude, on behalf of the county, to Gold Star Mothers –women whose children have been killed in the line of military duty. The program, opened by a procession of the Westchester County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, took place along the Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway at Kensico Dam Plaza, where trees stand above plaques dedicated to soldiers from Westchester who have died in service to America.
“Gold Star Mothers are the definition of ‘strong’ and the very image of grace,” said Astorino. “You are the heroes who gave us our heroes, and we are forever in your debt.”
Gold Star Mother’s Day was established in 1936 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to be observed on the last Sunday in September. The day is set aside to acknowledge the uniquely painful burden borne by the mothers of fallen soldiers.
As the names of the deceased were read aloud, a military honor guard delivered a silent salute at each memorial. Following a rifle salute, Taps was played by a distant bugler and those gathered sang God Bless America.