I hear the voices of the heroes from the past; from New Rochelle’s proud history of service to this great country we call America. They cry out from the halls of our city’s historic Armory saying, “Well done city council”, as the 7-0 vote presents an opportunity for the city to consider a better use of the Armory, which is truly one of New Rochelle’s historic treasures.
The Save the Armory Committee has been working feverously for years to preserve her and to assure that she continues to serve the people of this great city once called the Queen City of the Sound. Yesterday’s city council vote was a major step toward this end. I applaud all who voted to give those determined to preserve New Rochelle’s precious military history the opportunity to respond to the RFP with a plan that assures she will continue to serve New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York and America as was specified when the dollar deal was made with New York State.
Our history is such an important factor in reminding our children and their children who we are as Americans. New Rochelle’s proud military history is embodied in this Armory, from where so many heroes went forth to preserve our precious freedom. They left their hopes and dreams at her shore as they went forth to preserve the hopes and dreams of our children and their children after them.
We who are privileged to live in the greatest country in the world cannot afford to forget for one second the heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. The New Rochelle Armory has always been and will always be a shining reminder of the spirit of heroism found in the hearts of Americans. Every time you pass her, think of the heroes who walked her halls, the heroes who gave their very lives on our behalf and let her history make you proud to be an American.
Last night the New Rochelle City Council vote made me proud. I pray that the city council will continue to make me proud in regard to the Armory.