Each year, we look forward to Memorial Day as a sign of summer and warmer weather. But as we prepare for barbeques and backyard parties, it’s also important for us to remember the true reason for the holiday: to honor and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives defending our nation’s freedom and to recognize the sacrifices of the brave men and women still abroad.

Memorial Day was first celebrated here in Central New York in May of 1866 as residents of Waterloo came together to honor those they had lost in the Civil War by closing local businesses and lowering flags to half-staff¹. Our nation has since been involved in many other difficult wars, and today we undoubtedly still owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all those who have tragically lost their lives to keep us safe from harm.

This year, I encourage you to not only honor fallen soldiers, but also the brave men and women still serving, as well as their dedicated families. These courageous individuals are our friends, neighbors and family members, and they make unimaginable sacrifices each day in defense of the freedoms and liberties we hold so dear. They are an inspiration to us all, and we should always make every effort to show our appreciation for their service.

If you’d like to take time to honor our heroes in uniform this Memorial Day, you can do so by participating in one of many local ceremonies. Please consider attending one of the following events:

• Onondaga County's 29th annual Memorial Day Ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 24 at the Onondaga County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road;
• The annual Memorial Day Watchfire Ceremony will begin at 8 p.m., Sunday, May 24 at the New York State Fairgrounds;
• The Fayetteville Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m., Monday, May 25 at the intersection of Highbridge Street and Route 5;
• The village of Manlius Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25, with a remembrance ceremony to follow at the Village Centre Memorial, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave.;
• The Cicero Memorial Day Observance will begin at 9 a.m., Monday, May 25 at the Cicero Cemetery, with a parade to follow; and
• The Tully Memorial Day Observance will begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 25 on the front lawn of Tully Elementary School, 20 State St., with a parade to follow.

Those who have been killed in action and those who are still serving abroad have forever earned our respect and gratitude, and I’ll always fight to ensure the best for them and their families. As always, my door is open. Should you have any questions about this year’s Memorial Day events or any community issue, please feel free to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.

¹ va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp