New Rochelle American Legion Post 8 and the New Rochelle Veteran Advisory Committee are proud to present the New Rochelle Veterans Banner Project. This project is a cooperative effort to recognize the men and women who have bravely served our country from New Rochelle.
Any veteran may be sponsored for a banner, making it a great way to honor the special people in your life that have served in any branch of the military, in any conflict. “We are committed to honoring our veteran community,” said Tommy O’Keefe (U.S. Navy ’63 – ’68), Commander of American Legion Post 8. “This effort shows the deep commitment of New Rochelle to honor our fellow veterans and to enhance our mission and to drive toward our long-term objectives.” The banners will include the honored veteran’s picture, Name, Branch and Date of Service. The project will start with 30 banners and will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
“This project highlights the cooperation between the City and Post 8 as well as the respect New Rochelle has for our veterans.” Lt. Commander Brett Morash U.S. Navy (Ret.) Chairman of New Rochelle Veteran Advisory Committee stated, “I find all veterans stories inspiring from the infantryman on the front line to the cook who kept him fed. Every one of them are heroes and sacrificed in our nations conflicts.” This cooperative project continues to pave the way toward a future where New Rochelle is a destination for veterans looking to live and work in a community that honors their service.
To sponsor a veteran for their own banner, simply fill out an application by reaching out to VAC Member and New Rochelle native, Lupita Mendoza (USMC ’05 – ’09) at VeteranBannerNR@gmail.com. The application will require a photo of the veteran, as well as documentation on their service, as well as any honors received and any other details relevant to their service. The cost of sponsoring a veteran for a banner for 2020 is $220 and will be collected by the New Rochelle American Legion Post 8. All funds go into the production of the banners.
About the American Legion: The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. New Rochelle Post 8 was one of the first American Legions established in New York and have recently celebrated their 100th anniversary.
About the NR Veteran Advisory Committee: The New Rochelle Veteran Advisory Committee is made up of veterans appointed by the Mayor, the City Council, and the City Manager to advocate for veteran issues facing New Rochelle’s over 1,400 veterans and their families. Established in January 2018 it has made recommendations to the City Government to make New Rochelle a city that the veteran community inspires to call home.