Press Release from The Charles Dawson History Center

Transcript

CHARLES DAWSON HSITORY

Charles Dawson History Center
FOR THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN-VILLAGE OF HARRISON, NEW YORK
2 EAST MADISON STREET WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. 10604 (914)948-2550
MAILING ADDRESS:P.O. BOX 1696, HARRISON, N.Y. 10528

June 22, 1989

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Memorial Day, 1989, will long be remembered by Genevieve "Ma" Riis, a resident of Harrison, in Westchester County, N.Y. As part of the day's activities, the park across the street from the Harrison Municipal Building was renamed Genevieve "Ma" Riis Park in honor of her "extraordinary and devoted service to members of the Armed Forces during and after World War II."

A widow since 1927, Riis still lives in her small apartment a short distance away from the park. When her only child was inducted into the service, she promised to work with service personnel and veterans if her son returned safely. She has kept her promise.

From 1950 until last year when she retired from her activities because of an arthritic condition, Riis has been an active volunteer in all the local hospitals for disabled veterans, including Kings-bridge in the Bronx, Castlepoint in Newburgh the FDR Veterans

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Michael R. Casarella
Town Historian

Anthony Brandi, Chairman
Board of Directors

"THE HOME OF HARRISON'S HISTORY"Administration Hospital in Montrose, and even Sunmount Hospital near Saranac.

During World War II she corresponded with hundreds of members of the Armed Forces, and constantly sent them packages of candies, homemade cookies, and clothing. Contributions from friends and local organizations assisted her with the expenses for her devoted project. The recipients of her thoughtful acts of kindness affectionately nicknamed har "Ma" Riis.

For 20 years she served as president of the Harrison Chapter of the American War Mothers.

"Ma" Riis has donated most of the letters, holiday greetings, postcards, [sic] pictures she received from all parts of the world, and her commendations, awards, and plaques (including one from President Reagan) to the Charles Dawson History Center of Harrison for storage and preservation.

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(PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED)
(Caption)
Genevieve "Ma" Riis expresses her thanks to Harrison Municipal officials, the Lions Club, and veteran members of the American Legion and VFW Posts at the dedication of the monument in the park which was named in her honor.

Thank You.

Michael R. Casarella
Town Historian for Harrison