We honor the dead by serving the living. So on this Memorial Day – Monday, May 30, which is actually the traditional date of Memorial Day as well as the date of the official observance this year – we’ll be striking up the band and giving back to celebrate those who have served in our armed forces even as we remember those who gave their lives in defense of this country.
Fuelco’s two stations in Valhalla and Yonkers will thank U.S. military veterans for their service by offering them $5 of free gas throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Fuelco will also partner with the Lion’s Club of Valhalla and donate 2 cents of every gallon sold on Memorial Day weekend at its two locations. The donated proceeds will be used to repair the American Legion post in Thornwood that was damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Ida last year. Gas customers at both locations will also receive a free American flag while supplies last.
“I am very grateful to our country’s military service members, whose sacrifices allowed my family to pursue its American dream,” said Fuelco CEO Adam Musa. “Our company is committed to helping neighbors like the American Legion post in their time of need.”
The veteran-appreciation event started Friday, May 27, at 6 a.m. and runs through Memorial Day at 85 Virginia Road in Valhalla and 651 Bronx River Road in Yonkers. To qualify for the $5 of free gas, veterans must present a valid Veteran’s Administration identification card at the time of their gas purchase.
All customers can download the Fuelco app from the company’s website to receive everyday low prices on gas and convenience foods.
Meanwhile, Maria Regina High School’s first-ever marching band will participate in the White Plains’ and Ardsley’s Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies May 30, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Church Street, between Main Street and Hamilton Avenue, in White Plains, where the band will join Mayor Thomas Roach, veterans and representatives of the business community and civic organizations for a march up North Broadway to Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the Rural Cemetery.
From White Plains, the busy band will travel by bus to Ardsley for its Memorial Day program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. at Ashford Avenue (Park Avenue intersection). There the band will join Mayor Nancy Kaboolian and Ardsley veterans and community leaders.
Another way we can honor our vets – help them find employment or create their own businesses.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 19 million veterans living in America. Many of these people who served our country are starting businesses, joining an increasing number of Americans who sought to become entrepreneurs after the onset of Covid-19. While nearly 6% of employer firms overall are owned by veterans, the concentration of veteran-owned businesses varies widely by location.
Four percent of businesses in New York state are owned by veterans—a total of 17,884 businesses employing 214,576 workers. (In Connecticut, it’s between 5 and 6%.) You’ll find the original report here. And check out our article on how Iona College in New Rochelle is helping veteran entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.
However and wherever you celebrate and remember, Happy Memorial Day from all of us at WAG. And to our veterans past, present and future: Thank you for your service. We love you. We honor. We will never forget you.
