Westchester County is proud to be hosting the American Legion Department of New York Annual Convention, July 17 to 22.  We are looking forward to welcoming the Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion to Westchester this summer, and as always, to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

For more information about Convention events and accommodations, we invite you to visit the Convention website.

Celebrating over 100 Years of American Legion

Tribute to American Military Heroes
Save the Date

Freedom Concert

Friday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606

Live Music & Entertainment
Visit the convention website.

Each year the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency gathers with family members of fallen servicemen at the Memorial Tree Walkway at Kensico Dam Plaza for the national observance of the Gold Star Mothers Ceremony.

Gold Star Mothers, families, veterans and friends are invited to attend this ceremony as we remember, reflect and honor the memory of  these fallen heroes.

Who are Gold Star Mothers
American Gold Star Mothers was formed after World War I to provide support for mothers who lost sons or daughters in the war. The name originated from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a service flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star.

Today, membership in Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. Read more about the Gold Star Mothers organization's beginnings.

Annual Memorial Tribute Ceremony, Sept. 25, to be virtual
Gold Star Mothers Day is observed on the last Sunday in September. This year that is Sept. 25. at 11 a.m. Gold Star Mothers and their families can join County Executive George Latimer for a virtual ceremony on Facebook/westchestergov due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Memorial Walkway
Kensico Dam Plaza is the site of the county’s Memorial Walkway. The walkway was created to honor the heroes who died while serving in military campaigns that followed the 9/11 terror attacks. Many were inspired to military service because of the September 11 attacks on America; and for that reason, the Memorial Walkway was established adjacent to “The Rising”, the county’s memorial to those killed on September 11.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anthony Del Vecchio, son of Westchester County employee, Paul Gallagher, receives the Combat Infantrymen's Badge from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.

The award ceremony took place on April 7, 2013 at 2/10 Security Forces Assistance Brigade's headquarters, Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.

Gallagher, Del Vecchio's father, is a senior inspector with the Westchester County Consumer Protection Agency.

Del Vecchio is a resident of Westchester County.

The Veterans Service Agency offers varied events, programs and sessions throughout the year.

To stay in the know, our events are featured on the county's events calendar. Be sure to book mark the Veterans events category when you get there.

Virtually all of the programs are free and open to the public. Some, however, may require advance reservations.

Sign-ups
Westchester County residents can sign up for Quick News for Veterans. It’s a convenient way to get updates on programs, benefits and services available for Veterans by e-mail. You can also sign up for e-mail Quick News from other county departments.