On March 29, 1973, the last United States combat troops left Vietnam. Honoring their memory became a tradition that gave rise to National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a commemoration that recognizes those who served in that war. On Friday, March 27, the Town of Cortlandt will present its annual program to remember veterans.
The ceremony, which will take place in the Vincent F. Nyberg Meeting Room inside Cortlandt Town Hall, will begin at 2:30 p.m. and is organized by the Cortlandt Regional Veterans Committee in coordination with the local government. The program will include a formal observance with participation from municipal officials and members of the community. The event is open to the public and no registration is required.
The town supervisor, Richard H. Becker, will be present, along with members of the Town Board. In addition, representatives of the veterans committee will deliver brief remarks and will be publicly recognized for their service to the country during the conflict.
The Town of Cortlandt shared the invitation through its digital platforms. Walter Rozanski, vice chairman of the Cortlandt Regional Veterans Committee, said the ceremony is dedicated to the sacrifice of the men and women who served in Vietnam and encouraged the community to attend and take part in the commemoration.
The event has been held consistently in recent years. In 2024, for example, the ceremony took place at the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial located on the Town Hall grounds and drew a strong community response. The observance was solemn, particularly during the public recognition of veterans.
In addition to the March 27 ceremony, the committee maintains a regular schedule throughout the year. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of selected months. This year, for example: January, February, April, September and October. All meetings are scheduled for 11 a.m.
The committee also leads other initiatives, including the Military Tribute Banners program, which allows residents and organizations to honor service members through commemorative banners displayed in different areas of the town. The displays run from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, after which the banners are returned to the families or sponsors.
The 2026 calendar also includes a Memorial Day ceremony on May 22, a veterans and seniors picnic on Aug. 18, a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, and a Pearl Harbor commemoration in December.
