Memorial Day Brings Out Families and Friends to Honor Veterans and Enjoy Community Events: See More than 100 Photos of Weekend Celebration by N. Bower
June 1, 2011: At 8:30 am on Memorial Day, May 30, the rain was pouring so hard that no one in his or her right mind would have ventured forth to watch the parade, let alone march in it. Meanwhile, Mayor Mary Marvin and Village Administrator Harry Porr were deciding what to do: call it off, delay it, or go on with the show. The mayor called it right and ordered the parade to begin as planned.
A few minutes after 9:00 am, as if the mayor had given the command, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun shone as those who had lined up on the west side of town under umbrellas to march in the parade began to move into position. The 91st annual Memorial Day parade was under way.
Leading the parade were vintage Model A's and Model T's, followed by Arthur Miller, the parade's grand marshal. Marching with him down Pondfield Road from Leonard Morange Square to The Bronxville School were Mayor Mary Marvin, the village's trustees, and judges and other officials, followed by bagpipers and a drum corps providing the music and beat to keep the marchers in step.
Representatives of various civic organizations and agencies, including the Bronxville Beautification Council, Lawrence Hospital Center, Daughters of the American Revolution, Bronxville Women's Club, and Senior Citizens Council, as well as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Brownies, were not far behind. The colorful grand finale was provided by kids on bicycles and tricycles decked out in red, white, and blue.
At a bandstand in front of The Bronxville School, the mayor addressed the crowd. "I want to dedicate this year's Memorial Day commemoration to Arthur Miller, the grand marshal," she said, "and to all his fellow World War II veterans who served so bravely and who are leaving us much too quickly."
"Sixteen million Americans answered the call to serve in World War II," she continued, "and a staggering 400,000 gave their lives. It was the defining moment of the 20th century and the ultimate symbol of moral strength and national unity. ... They were not warriors by nature, just lovers of freedom and their country."
Arthur Miller then read out the names of dozens of local veterans and service members who passed away since last Memorial Day.
Representatives from various community groups and agencies laid wreaths at the base of the flagpole, assisted by members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, followed by one last sounding of taps for the fallen soldiers. Father Herbert DeGaris from St. Joseph's Church gave the benediction and Dale Walker sang a stirring "America the Beautiful."
Afterwards, as local dignitaries headed toward Bronxville's cemetery for a brief ceremony, many families walked to the elementary school playground and school football field to enjoy carnival games and hamburgers and hot dogs sponsored by the Bronxville PTA. Others went into the elementary school to see the Bronxville Veterans Memorial Exhibit, which, with photos, letters, and written accounts, documented Bronxville residents who served in previous wars from WWI to the present.
To see over 100 photos of the parade and weekend events, hit the link below and go to the Gala and Gatherings page.
http://myhometownbronxville.com/index.php?option=com_morfeoshow&task=view&gallery=152&Itemid=188
Pictured here: Mayor Mary Marvin near the podium with speech in hand on Memorial Day with Arthur Miller, the grand marshal, beside her.
Photos by N. Bower
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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