Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751; cell: (518) 859-8518
Memorial Day weekend is a time of year where we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by our service men and women. Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have died across the globe protecting our way of life and the freedoms we cherish here at home. This weekend, and every day, we should remember these brave individuals and honor their memories. As the son, father, brother and uncle of U.S. veterans, I have a personal and heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families.
Long referred to as the "Forgotten War," 33,000 Americans lost their lives fighting in Korea and more than 8,000 remain missing. Fighting in a foreign land, our soldiers bravely fought against the tyranny brought upon South Korea by North Korea. Many of these soldiers had already fought in WWII, but again answered the call of duty. Sixty-five years later peace has yet to be declared, but we remain hopeful that our soldiers' sacrifices will yield an amicable conclusion. This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect upon the cost of our freedom here at home, and marvel at the brave individuals who have fallen defending those freedoms.
WATERLOO AND THE FIRST MEMORIAL DAY
The first Memorial Day was actually celebrated right here in the Finger Lakes Region. As most local residents know, the Village of Waterloo is the location of the first-ever Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day, in 1866. Local druggist Henry C. Welles is credited with the idea to first commemorate the lives lost during the Civil War. The notion was wholeheartedly supported by General B. Murray and together they created the first Memorial Day celebration for the village. Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971.
UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE SIGNIFICANCE
This weekend, there will be numerous ceremonies and parades in the Finger Lakes Region. Please take the opportunity to use these events as learning experiences about the sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces, and not just a reason to have a celebration outdoors now that the weather is nice. Nearly every town in our area will be having a parade of its own, and some will be hosting ceremonies at various cemeteries to honor the service of fallen soldiers. A full list of activities happening this weekend can be found here: http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/memorial-day-parades-rochester-ny-area.
I encourage everyone to take a moment to pause while enjoying the festivities and think about the true significance of Memorial Day and what it means to us as Americans.
What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@nyassembly.gov.