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The event commemorated Veterans Recognition Month and honored county residents who have served in the armed forces.
A record number of close to 300 veterans, representing the five branches of the military -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard -- attended the breakfast. Co-sponsors of the event included Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester; Hospice Care in Westchester and Putnam; Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care; and Phelps Hospice.
Following a welcome from planning committee member Cornelia Schimert, RN, the Rev. Ervin R. Graves, hospice chaplain, shared a moving invocation. Presenters at the breakfast included retired Army Col. Mary Westmoreland; Vito Pinto, director of the Westchester County Office of Veterans Affairs; Dr. Wavell Hodge from VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System; and Edward M. Dinan, president and CEO, New York-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital.
Keynote presenter Westmoreland shared her personal story, history, and inspirations in joining and remaining in the armed forces – including her time at the Pentagon and other leadership roles. Hodge spoke about his history in with the Army and the difference and sacrifices the men and women in attendance made for our country.
In addition to the program, musical interludes were provided by Simon Boyar of Boyar Music Studios, who played many patriotic songs throughout the morning. The Sleepy Hollow High School Chorus closed the breakfast by singing the fight songs for each military branch, as attendees saluted and sang their respective branch’s song.
At the breakfast’s conclusion, Westmoreland returned to the podium for the remembrance service, joining Graves and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Barnes, who played a touching trumpet performance of taps. Each veteran in attendance received a mug to take home.
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