New York State Senator Mayer and White Plains Mayor Roach Break Ground on Veterans Memorial Garden

Watch the full press conference. 

(White Plains, NY) – New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and White Plains Mayor Tom Roach today broke ground on the city’s new Veterans Memorial Garden, which will be located in the publicly accessible green space behind White Plains City Hall. 

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “I was pleased to provide funding to ensure a dedicated space for White Plains’ USS Maine deck gun. This garden is an excellent addition to City Hall that will allow our residents to connect with our history and the sacrifice of our veterans for many years to come. Thank you to Mayor Tom Roach and the City of White Plains for your vision and your continued support of the veterans community.” 

Mayor Tom Roach said: “The Veterans Memorial Garden will serve as a reminder of the heroic men and women who put their lives at risk to protect our freedom. The Common Council and I are grateful to Senator Shelley Mayer who has generously provided state funding for this important project. The Veterans Memorial Garden project is a perfect illustration of how strong partnerships and effective intergovernmental collaboration ensure that the quality of life of our residents continues to be enhanced.” 

Senator Mayer secured $62,000 in state funding for the construction of the project. 

The garden will feature a deck gun from the USS Maine – which was donated to the city in 1915 by the White Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was originally displayed in the Battle of White Plains Park, an explanatory plaque, markers to identify each branch of the military, plantings, and benches for quiet contemplation. Additionally, it will be a complement to the Veterans Memorial plaques located inside the City Hall Rotunda. 

Senator Mayer and Mayor Roach were joined by Council Member Jennifer Puja, Council Member Victoria Presser, and members of the White Plains veterans community for the groundbreaking.