Mayor Young addresses the ceremony

MOUNT VERNON – Twelve new trees are growing at Brush Park in Mount Vernon. Four of them were named for some of the “Fallen Heroes of Mount Vernon.”
The list included:

Lieutenant Colonel Nasby Wynn, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who was the first black police officer in the City of Mount Vernon.

Detective Christopher Ridley, who was killed earlier this year by Westchester County police officers in a tragic incident where he was trying to break up a fight in White Plains.  He served the department for two years.

Marine Corporal Bernard “Brent” Gooden, who was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, NC, was among the first servicemen to die in Iraq on April 4, 2003.

Raymond Vanderberg, a 12-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, who at the time of his death was next in line to become a lieutenant.  He was also an active member of the Westchester Vulcans where he pushed for diversity in the fire department.
 
 “The planting of a tree - in itself is a significant event -- represents the continuation of life across generations,” said Mayor Clinton Young, Jr. “The planting of these trees; however, is ever more significant as we honor the lasting legacies of four individuals who committed themselves to a life of service.  They will never be forgotten.”