Bedford's first Veterans Day Celebration is in the books!

Post by Veterans Advisory Committee Chair Clark Petschek*

It was great to see so many veterans, community organizations, and Bedford friends under one roof to salute the men and women who have served.

We appreciate everyone who participated and made this gathering special. Over 90 people celebrated with us, we have 41 wonderfully-written/decorated holiday cards that will be distributed to deployed troops, and we are sending a box full of toys to USMC Toys for Tots for their Christmas drive.

We had approximately 100 veterans represented in our slide show, with photos from 1914 through 2023. Here's a link to the slides: SLIDES

Thank you

A big THANK YOU to the following folks who helped make this celebration such a success:

 Senior Chief Quincy Lawton – for his thoughtful and inspiring invocation and benediction.

 The Honor Guard – for their solemn tribute to fallen veterans and reminder to never forget them.

Mike Palladino – for his tremendous efforts helping plan and run the celebration (and for taking my jokes about his beloved Air Force with the humor I intended).

 Supervisor Ellen Calves – for her strong and continued support of veterans and our Veterans Committee.

Emily Bushnell, Laurie Ciavardini, Barbara Carbone & Endeavor Therapeutic – for the incredible equine-assisted programs they offer to veterans and for their willingness to bring Spud to yesterday's tribute.

Chief Alex Dennett & Bedford Hills Fire Dept and Chief Matt Whalen & Katonah Fire Dept – for their support of veterans, significant participation in yesterday's celebration, and continued selfless service to Bedford.

 Joanne Rosamond & Bedford Hills Women's Club and Bob Collins & Lions Club of Bedford Hills – for their ever-present support of veterans and the entire community.

 Lisa Fello & SPCA Westchester – for their amazing care of dogs/cats and for allowing Gwyn and Artimis to share the afternoon with us (please contact Lisa if you are considering adopting).

 Bill McCormack & Pound Ridge Scouts - Troop 1 – for the patriotism and leadership they are instilling in our next generation.

 George Lux, Thom Newman, Carlo Marotta & Katonah American Legion – for being great Americans and jumping at every opportunity to help and support veterans.  

*Clark Petschek - whose vision, leadership and organization made this event possible!

Again, thank you for making yesterday so special. It was an absolute pleasure celebrating Veterans Day with you.