VIDEO: Pleasantville Veterans Recognized

Pleasantville Fancher Nicoll American Legion Post 77 Commander Bert Ruiz hosted a special ceremony Monday morning to recognize the many local veterans.

Joined by Kathleen Donovan-Warren of Pleasantville High School and the camerata singers, Minister Jim Brown and Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer, the village welcomed a number of guest speakers for the Veterans' Day affair.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Westchester County Legislator Michael Smith (R — District 3) and Pleasantville High School Dawn Bartz each gave personal addresses to the veterans, commenting on their own family members' service and asking community members to thank a veteran every day of the year, not just on Veterans' Day.

Scherer recognized Ruiz as a new member of the Veterans' Hall of Fame, which New York State Senator Greg Ball (R, C — Patterson) recently announced.

First Vice Commander George Coffey and Second Vice Commander Roger Lemcke also received recognition from the state.

PHS graduate Nilton Castro, a U.S. Marine lance corporal and two-tour Afghan combat veteran spoke to the crowd and thanked Pleasantville for its support while he was abroad.

Ruiz also thanked Prospero Winery and Foley's Club Lounge of Pleasantville for their support of the American Legion Post and the village's veterans.

The crowd was also treated to performances by gospel singer Teresa Brown and a duet with her daughter Mackenzie.

Click here to view the full ceremony on Pleasantville Community Television (PCTV).