Memorial Day 2023 (See listings of area observances)

We will always remember.  We will always be proud.  We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.
~ President Ronald Reagan, remarks on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1984
 

Every Memorial Day, we pause in our daily lives to remember the American soldiers who now rest “in honored glory” in devotion and service to all Americans -- to our families, our friends and neighbors, our communities, state, and nation.

Toward that end, we continue to raise the American Flag.

We proudly recognize New York State as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day,” in Waterloo, Seneca County, which our nation has observed since the time of the Civil War. The New York State Veterans Cemetery (formerly known as the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery) was also designated earlier this year in nearby Romulus.

We turn enduring thoughts and prayers to the young soldiers, the heroes, who have been recently lost.

We honor wounded warriors, and we support the men and women serving in harm’s way at this very moment.

Several years ago, when asked about the importance of Memorial Day, the director of both the Woodlawn and Bath National Cemeteries, Duane Mendenhall, shared this reflection, “Every single freedom and liberty we enjoy can be traced back to a battlefield…How can words suffice to honor our fallen veterans? We honor them by remembering they loved America. Most of all they valued life by bravely readying themselves to die in service of this country."

May God Bless America and may God Bless our Troops.

My very best wishes to all of you for a safe, enjoyable and, above all, meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

From WETM-TV, "Memorial Day Parades Happening in the Twin Tiers"

From The Leader, "Memorial Day tributes will be held throughout the Corning area: Here's where"

From The Evening Tribune, "Memorial Day observances in the Hornell, Wellsville area. Here's how to pay tribute"

From myhometowntoday.com,  "Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony planned Monday in Owego"

From the Observer-Review, "Memorial Day services honor fallen"

From The Chronicle-Express, "Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on May 29"