The Memorial Day ceremony in New Rochelle on May 26, 2025, brought together community members to honor the sacrifices of military personnel who have served the nation. The event, organized by the American Legion Post 8, featured a series of tributes, prayers, and acknowledgments of local veterans and their families.

The ceremony began with an invocation by Bishop Fetson Leake, who emphasized the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. He prayed for the missing in action and for the families of fallen servicemen and women. Following the invocation, attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by Campbell, a student from New Rochelle High School, who received applause for her performance.

Mayor of New Rochelle, who addressed the crowd, highlighted the significance of Memorial Day beyond its association with the start of summer. He expressed gratitude for the community's presence and recognized the contributions of local officials and first responders. The mayor underscored the importance of remembering the millions of servicemen and women who have died in defense of the country.

The ceremony also included remarks from various community leaders, including Lupita Mendoza, chair of the Veterans Advisory Commission, who spoke about the ongoing challenges faced by veterans, particularly those affected by toxic exposure during service. She encouraged attendees to support veterans in accessing necessary health screenings and treatments.

Peter Parente, commander of VFW Post 439, shared details about the community's efforts to honor veterans by placing over 3,000 flags at local cemeteries. He invited community members to participate in this annual tradition, reinforcing the importance of remembering those who have served.

The event concluded with a moment of silence for veterans who have passed away, including a personal tribute to Jerry Moreno, a Vietnam veteran who recently died from service-related health issues. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the ongoing commitment of the New Rochelle community to honor their legacy.