Comments Expressed at the Annual Bronxville Memorial Day Ceremony 2010.
Good morning and God bless America!
Before I make my comments, I want to announce that the O’Silas Gallery at Concordia College is continuing the Memorial Day tradition of honoring our veterans with an exhibit called “The Hero Next Door” which tells the stories of 70 veterans from Tuckahoe, Eastchester and Bronxville. The exhibit is open today from 10AM until 5PM and will be open Thursday through Sunday from now until July 5th.
It is said that a hero is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom and is willing to sacrifice his dreams for the hopes of a nation.
Dating right back to our founding Fathers, our nation has defined and exemplified the heroism that we bear witness to today.
Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, who just by signing their names committed an act of treason, 9 died of wounds or hardship during the war for independence. Five were imprisoned for years, several lost wives, sons, even entire families. One had all 13 of his children killed. All of the signers were victims of manhunts with bounties on their heads. 12 had their homes burned down and 17 lost everything they owned. Yet, not one defected or went back on his pledged word.
Their heroism - their bravery – and most importantly the nation they sacrificed so much to protect – is in tact today thanks to those brave men and women who came after including our very own Parade Grand Marshall, Gordon Markle. Gordon thank you so much for being here. We are honored by your presence.
Gordon grew up in Bronxville at 64 Sagamore Road and is a 1939 graduate of the High School.
He joined the Army Air Corps and spent time in Long Island, Connecticut and the Panama Canal Zone and following Pearl Harbor was sent to Palestine.
Mr. Markle spent three more years in services moving across North Africa, the Mediterranean and Italy.
Gordon’s dad, Clifford Markle, tried to enlist as well in World War II but he was turned down due to medical issues related to being gassed as a POW in WWI so he joined the Red Cross and was assigned to Africa.
Gordon and his dad actually had two visits in Africa while both were serving there, but after their second visit Gordon’s dad was killed in an ambulance accident. He is buried in Tunisia and Gordon has been fortunate enough to visit his grave.
After his dad’s death, Gordon served two more years until the war ended in Europe.
He returned home to 64 Sagamore married his girlfriend from Tuckahoe, Marilynn Stewart, and his son Peter who is with us today was born here in Bronxville. Peter was an Air Force pilot for six years during the Vietnam era. And Gordon’s eldest grandchild and Peter’s son, is currently serving as a Navy SEAL. The entire Markle family will now have served our Country for four generations.
I guess it is true what Thackery said that, “bravery does not go out of style.”
I want to thank the entire Markle family and say thank you to all of you who served our country at home and abroad and to those who stand ready to do the same today. You have our respect and gratitude, and even though the holiday is named Memorial Day, I concur with General Patton who said, “We should not mourn those men who died while serving, rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
I leave you with the words of Abraham Lincoln which are so apropos for our Grand Marshall here today. Lincoln said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives, and I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
On behalf of the Village of Bronxville, I can say we are so very, very proud of our Grand Marshall, Gordon Markle, and the many, many other heroes among us.
May God Bless them all.
Mary C. Marvin is the Mayor of the Village of Bronxville.
