Remember & Honor: Legislators Commemorate Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend, our Caucus members were out in the community, attending services, participating in parades, and taking time to remember and honor.  

Many attended the county service at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Despite the gloomy weather, many veterans and military families were in attendance. Since Memorial Day 2024, 232 people representing nearly every branch of the military have been buried at the cemetery.

Legislature Chairman Timothy Burtis spoke, saying in part:

We recall with gratitude not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, but also those who wore the uniform of our great nation and sacrificed so much to serve - to defend our red, white and blue - and have now gone on before us. 

Whether you’re honoring someone buried here who served in Vietnam – or in Korea, World War 1 or 2, Operation Iraqi Freedom - or during peace time - it’s important that you continue to share their story. This is how we keep their spirit alive and ensure the younger generation understands the sacrifices they made. Service to community and country is vitally important, and these stories need to be passed down through the generations. Let your loved one be an inspiration to others and allow them to always be remembered.

Chairman Burtis also paid special tribute to the Vietnam Veterans buried at the cemetery, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the conflict in which more than 58-thousand Americans gave their lives.

A special thanks to Onondaga County Parks for making our Veterans Memorial Cemetery look so good this weekend and all throughout the year, and to the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency for planning and hosting the ceremony.

Pictured at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery are (L to R) Legislators Mark Olson, Deb Cody and Kevin Meaker, Chairman Timothy Burtis, Legislator Shawn Fiato, County Executive Ryan McMahon, Legislator Colleen Gunnip and Leader Brian May.

Not pictured are Legislators Ken Bush Jr. and Rich McCarron who also attended.