A Beautiful Day for a Parade

Jonathan Blake, Dara Gruenberg, Amy Paulin, Justin Arest, Ken Mazer, Jason Kofman, Alex MarshallSkies cleared on Monday of Memorial Day weekend just in time for the parade in Scarsdale Village. A longtime tradition, the parade was sponsored by the American Legion Post 52 and the Village of Scarsdale to honor the Village’s veterans.Rabbi Blake and Assemblymember Amy Paulin

Before the parade began, participants gathered in Chase Park for welcome remarks from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, a poem from Assemblymember Amy Paulin, remarks from Village Manager Alexandra Marshall, an invocation from Rabbi Jonathan Blake, a call to attention from American Legion Commander Dominic Morelli and the laying of the wreath by members of American Legion Post 52.
See their comments below.

The Scarsdale High School Band played Taps, the Girl Scouts led the pledge of allegiance and the Scarsdale Boy Scouts eld the call to assemble the parade.

Participating in the parade were:

Scarsdale American Legion
Scarsdale Boy Scouts
Scarsdale Cub Scouts
Scarsdale Fire Department
Scarsdale Girl Scouts
Scarsdale High School Bands
Scarsdale Police Department
Scarsdale Village Staff
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Mayor and Members of the Board of Trustees
Amy Paulin
Tim Foley

It was a joyful celebration and a beautiful display of Scarsdale Village in spring bloom.

Here are remarks from some of the speakers:

Mayor Justin Arest

Mayor Justin Arest addresses the crowd.
Thank you again for joining us today as we pause to remember and honor the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is not only a moment of solemn remembrance, it is a call to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, duty, and unity.
We gather here at a time when our nation and our world face profound challenges. Whether it is global conflict, social division, or the quieter struggles that many carry in their everyday lives, the weight of this moment in history is real. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

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(Photo Gallery Andrew Li)

And yet, Memorial Day reminds us that even in the hardest of times, courage endures. The individuals we honor today did not serve because times were easy. They served despite uncertainty. They stood firm when the future was unclear. They believed that protecting freedom, supporting one another, and defending a shared ideal was worth everything.

Scarsdale PoliceThat spirit lives on in this community. We see it in our volunteers, our first responders, our teachers, and our neighbors. These are the people who, in large ways and small, show up for one another.

I would be remiss not to take a moment to thank our first responders. In an era of ever more complex challenges, your presence, dedication, and service are vital. We are grateful for all you do to keep our community safe.

Each year, Scarsdale also takes time on this day to recognize young people who have earned the highest honors in scouting—a mark of leadership, perseverance, and service to others.

Although weather forced the cancellation of last year’s parade, we remain committed to honoring the achievements of these exceptional individuals. Today, we proudly recognize scout honorees from both 2024 and 2025.

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest rank in Scouts BSA, earned through years of dedication, leadership, merit badges, and a meaningful service project.Trustee Dara Gruenberg and the Boy Scouts

Similarly, the Gold Award is the top honor in Girl Scouts, recognizing those who lead projects that create lasting change.

The Silver Award honors younger Girl Scouts who have demonstrated leadership and commitment through impactful community work.

2024 Honorees:

Eagle Scout: Kenneth Ren, Noah Millard, Zachary Finkel, Janghee Lee, Michael Cacioppo, Jake Gherardi
Gold Award: Kyra Montgomery, Adelia Bandsma, Charlotte Blotner

2025 Honorees:
Eagle Scout: Olin Bradley, Luis Marquez, Oliver Bandsma
Gold Award: Giselle Lese, Samantha Levine
Silver Award: Maeve Richmond, Julia Riela

To each of you, congratulations. Your accomplishments are a source of pride for your families and for our entire community.

Thank you all again for being here. May we leave today inspired by the courage of those we remember and the promise of those we honor.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin

Today, we pay homage to those who have fought for our freedom and to the men and women who continue to fight for us around the globe.
Let us never forget the sacrifices our soldiers have made – lives lost and dreams deferred.

I would like to read a poem dedicated to “the soldier.”

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

The Color Guard

Village Manager Alexandra Marshall

Today is a day of remembrance for those who have sacrificed so much for the well being of our community and our country. Their selflessness, giving their lives in the line of duty, is the reason we are able to gather here today and enjoy the weekend with our friends, family, and colleagues. When I was a kid in elementary school, I didn't quite understand the significance of Memorial Day. At the time, I knew it was an extra day off from school, and an opportunity to enjoy great barbecue with my family. It wasn't until I had learned about the service of my Great Uncle Vinny, who told us about his near death experience jumping into the waters of France during World War II. He was struggling to swim, weighed down by heavy equipment, when a helping hand pulled him out of the water onto the shore. Several of his friends were not as fortunate, and I often wonder about their families and what they must have been going through when their loved ones didn't return home. I'm sure Memorial Day holds a heavier place in their hearts, which is why it’s so important that we honor those who have fallen in the line of duty, and keep their memory alive. I appreciate everyone who is joining us today as we recognize their invaluable contributions and dedicated service to our country.

Boy Scouts

Rabbi Jonathan Blake --Westchester Reform Synagogue

Invocation

God of compassion and courage,
We gather this Memorial Day in sacred remembrance—
to honor the men and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict, especially those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

May their memories be a blessing and their sacrifice a summons:
to uphold the ideals they fought to protect—liberty, justice, and democracy.

Help us cherish these values in word, in action, and in spirit.

Bless our veterans, our active-duty military, and all first responders—
especially the devoted members of our Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Departments—whose daily acts of service remind us that the strength of a nation is measured not only by its might, but by its moral resolve.

May we walk today in gratitude and unity, and may this gathering renew our shared commitment to a more just, peaceful, and democratic world.

And let us say: Amen.

Benediction

As we prepare to march, let us carry forward the spirit of this day.
May the memory of those who served and sacrificed never fade from our hearts.

May their legacy inspire us to live with integrity, to lead with compassion, and to serve with courage.

Let us honor their lives with our deeds—working for a nation that cherishes justice, upholds dignity, and pursues peace.

Bless our veterans, our military families, and all who serve in uniform—on the battlefield, in our neighborhoods, and at the front lines of crisis.

May the Holy One bless our Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Departments, and all those who risk their lives to protect others.

May we go forth in gratitude and humility, committed to a future worthy of their sacrifice.

Amen.

Girl Scouts Leaders