New Castle Honors its Vets, Troops at Parade

Downtown Chappaqua was packed on Monday, as throngs of marchers and spectators were at the Town of New Castle's annual Memorial Day parade.

The parade marked a moment for people in the community to honor veterans, along with active-duty service members.

Former state Assemblyman Robert Castelli, a Vietnam veteran whose district included New Castle, described the holiday's history and meaning.

“Some of us these days look upon Memorial Day as a day for a great sale at the mall or for a barbeque or for another day off of school," he said. "But for those of us who have fought in the great wars, we come together to honor those who are our fallen comrades in solemn reflection for the sacrifice that they had given us.”

Castelli noted the service of Army Staff Sgt. Kyu Hyuk Chay, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006. His name is now on the town's war memorial in front of the Chappaqua station and his parents were present on Monday.

Kevin Dunn a local resident whose son Nolan is a first lieutenant and was wounded in Afghanistan when he injured his hand amidst a firefight that his platoon was in, described his son's desire to serve. He said that, “every single day he tells me what a pleasure it is to serve his country and he just loves what he does and can't wait to get back to his platoon,” which he added is still in Afghanistan.

Tribute events included renditions of "Amazing Grace," the "Star Spangled Banner," taps and a roll call of people listed on the town's memorial. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at New Castle's Victory Corners monument at the intersection of Routes 117 and 120, and at the memorial by the station.

Marchers included a Vietnam veterans' color guard, New Castle Town Board and Chappaqua school board members, scouts and student bands from Chappaqua's schools.

First responders each had people at the event, including the Chappaqua and Millwood fire departments, New Castle police and the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CVAC).

Marchers also included a who's who of people who live in town, such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Former President Bill Clinton, who has marched in previous years, was unable to make it due to a scheduling conflict, according to James McCauley, a local veteran who helped with the parade. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and state Assemblyman David Buchwald also joined.

Videos of the parade can be found here.