Yorktown Unveils War on Terror Memorial
November 11, 2022 – Yorktown officials and local veterans unveiled a Global War on Terror Memorial today in Patriot Park to commemorate Veterans Day.
The monument commemorates the service and sacrifices by members of the U.S. armed forces who have defended the United States in ongoing international counterterrorism military campaigns since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Maj. Mike Sheridan said that stone monuments represent a generation’s gratitude.
“It’s our look back to show, from the perspective of the Town, the appreciation for those who served and all veterans,” said Sheridan.
The monument commemorates Yorktown residents who died in the conflicts related to the Global War on Terror, including David Fahey Jr., a 23-year-old Army specialist, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.
“Yorktown is proud of our neighbors who have defended our flag and our nation,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “While we acknowledge their service and sacrifice today on Veterans Day, we really should celebrate them every day that we are free.”
The granite monument is about five feet high with a bronze plaque. The Global War on Terror monument joins monuments to other wars in Patriot Park.
“If you are ever walking in the mall or walking down the street and you see that veteran with the hat on, just stop and say thank you, it doesn’t cost anything,” said Councilman Tom Diana.
The Friday ceremony began a weekend of appreciation for veterans. On Sunday, Yorktown will hold its annual Veterans’ Day Parade at 2 p.m. in Shrub Oak. The parade will march down East Main Street from Lakeland High School to the WWII Memorial just past the Hart Library.
“I’m thankful to be able to live in a place called America. And so today, I want to thank all the veterans—both young and old, for making this happen for me and my family,” said Councilman Sergio Esposito.
Councilman Ed Lachterman noted that his daughter served with the armed forces in Afghanistan.
“Our appreciation should surpass someone’s time of service,” said Lachterman. “It is so important for us to not only remember, but to say thank you however we can, to help our veterans in need, and to support those who are not in need but really have sacrificed a large part of their lives to make America what it is.”
Contact: Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org
Photo caption: Members of the Yorktown Town Board and local veterans stand at the new Global War on Terror monument in Patriot Park on Nov. 11, 2022. Photo courtesy of Town of Yorktown.
