WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By The WPCNR Roving Photographer. May 27, 2008: Recession, an unresolved campaign, a war without perceived end, and a day to remember the sacrifices of the nation's war dead all made Memorial Day Weekend 2008 particularly meaningful to White Plainsians as the sunshine and perfect 80 degree weather restored pride in the past, and offered the sunshine of the future. WPCNR takes a look at an American tradition -- The Memorial Day Weekend.

Lead by Grand Marshall, Captain Shawn Tabankin, center, the City Fathers headed the parade, Left to Right,Councilmen Glen Hockley, Dennios Power, Assemblyman Adam Bradley, Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona, Board of Education Member, Bill Pollak, Captain Tabankin, County Legislator Bill Ryan, Councilman Benjamin Boykin and Tom Roach. 

White Plains Finest Signalled the Start of the Parade

Jewish Veterans of  World War II lead the parade of those who Served.

Looking Sharp! The WPHS High Marching Band debuted their new uniforms.

The Parade of Antigue Cars Turned Back the Clock to the Days of Penny Gas.

Girl and Boy Scout Troops -- Legions of Them -- Promised Future Dedication to Community and Country Service

Calvary Baptist Church

Slater Center Jerome Bump Robinson Drum Corps Always a Favorite!

The Ladies Who Make White Plains a Beautiful Place

White Plains Wolverines

White Plains Bravest: The Fire Department

Slater Center Drum Corps Marching Up Broadway to Rural Cemetary

Battle Hill Residents Were There!

Striking Old Glory at the White Plains Rural Cemetary

White Plains Milton Hoffman, veteran Reporter Dispatch Correspondent, delivered the Invocation, in which he described the veterans and those who gave their lives as "Champions of Righteousness and Justice," setting a high note.

Adele Zucker, widow of a World War II veteran, reading the poem "I Remember," urged those in attendance to introduce themselves to veterans and thank them for their sacrifice and to remember those who died defending America for the liberty they died for. Arne Abramowitz, Commissioner of Recreation and Parks read the Mayor's Proclamation of the Day, noting the war dead did not serve in order to die they served to procure freedom.

Captain Shawn Tabankin, wounded in Afghanistan, shared personal insight with the audience on the special bond soldiers feel for one another, united in the defense of freedom. He wears a bracelet in memory of his medic, who died in Afghanistan in 2004. He said there is not a day he does not think of him. It was a unique and touching personal insight into the bond all veterans share.

The Presentation of the Home Defense Wreath by a White Plains Policeman and Fireman, as Mr. Abramowitz observes.

The WPHS Band played The National Anthem and rendered a medley of Taps, Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful that took the audience from melancholy, to appreciation to and uplifting of spirit.

The son of  the Veteran Honoree, Ralph Gersin, remembered his late father (owner of ARGEE Glass in White Plains), telling his World War II service and Korean War service, noting his career as an Army Air Corps Pilot, and how he took his grandchildren flying at age 90 just to prove he could still fly. His reminisces displayed Mr. Gersin's strong sense of values that lead him to his extraordinary service. Mr. Gersin's son closed commenting on the World War II veterans and war dead that "we'll always remember your sense of commitment and your service to this nation."

Moments after the Rifle Salute to Departed Veterans by the Firing Squad of American Legion Post # 135