Guest Column
By Assemblymember Samuel Roberts
(North Syracuse, NY – May 2014) Summer unofficially begins Memorial Day weekend. And as we celebrate with friends and family at barbecues, parades or a weekend at the beach, we must not forget the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to the Americans who have lost their lives defending our great nation. It is because of their dedication and selflessness that we have the freedoms and liberties we hold so dear.
The upstate village of Waterloo became the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866 as families gathered in remembrance of their loved ones who had fallen during the Civil War. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to honor all who have died in American wars. And since then, we use the last Monday in May to fly our flags at half-staff and hold ceremonies to express our appreciation for everything the men and women in uniform have done for this nation.
As we continue the traditions of Memorial Day, we must not only honor those who have fallen, but also pay tribute to our veterans and those still serving. They have given up so much to valiantly defend our way of life. They miss family birthdays, anniversaries and the everyday moments we take for granted so that we can live in peace and safety.
We must also celebrate the families of these brave men and women. They, too, sacrifice so much, and it’s important that we come together as a community to show them they are not alone.
So I ask you to spend this Memorial Day honoring the uniformed men and women we have lost, as well as those still serving.
Events in the community:
Syracuse Memorial Day Parade is Monday May 26, at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at the American Legion on Nichols Avenue and end at the monument on Grant Boulevard and James Street.
The Village of East Syracuse Memorial Day Parade will also take place on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
If you have any questions about Memorial Day events in the community, or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 315-449-9536 or email me at RobertsS@assembly.state.ny.us.