Contact: Doug Finch (315) 781-2030
Recently I was proud to recognize the extensive work of the Blue Star Mothers of New York, whose hard work was honored by a Legislative Resolution highlighting their history of service to their local communities. The Blue Star Mothers support the families of active United States military personnel, veterans and those who have lost children in the line of duty. The resolution came at an appropriate time, as we collectively take a moment to honor our country's fallen heroes this Memorial Day. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that this is a perfect opportunity to let the men and women defending our nation know how much they are appreciated, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
REMEMBER NOT JUST THE LOST LIVES, BUT WHAT THEY STAND FOR
New York's proud military tradition was built upon the belief that we have a God-given right to live free of tyranny, in a world where decency and humanity are allowed to flourish and where no one will be subjected to the fear that they will lose basic human rights. The tradition of our U.S. military is one my family holds close. I am profoundly honored to be the father, son, brother and uncle of U.S. military veterans.
As we celebrate another Memorial Day be sure to remember how fortunate we are to enjoy our everyday freedoms, reflect on the value of standing up for democracy, and remember the lives of soldiers lost.
WATERLOO: THE EPICENTER OF AMERICA'S CALL TO REMEMBER
The first Memorial Day ceremony was held in the village of Waterloo. During an 1866 observance, the collective community for the first time honored the precious lives and courage of America's sons taken during the nation's bloodiest conflict. It was a time of mourning, prayer, and healing.
Waterloo's own Henry C. Welles, a neighborhood druggist, conceived of the idea to honor the Civil War's casualties, and along with General John B. Murray, the Seneca County Clerk, set out to formalize what we call Memorial Day. Subsequently, in 1868, General John A. Logan issued General Order No. 11 establishing "Decoration Day" on May 5, exactly two years after Waterloo's village-wide ceremony.
In May of 1966, exactly 100 years later, Waterloo was officially designated as the birthplace of Memorial Day by the U.S. government after historians substantiated that the village did, indeed, host the inaugural ceremony. Now, Waterloo houses the Memorial Day Museum, with Civil War-era memorabilia and artifacts from the first Memorial Day celebration. While much has changed in the nearly 150 years since the Civil War, one ringing truth remains: the lost lives of America's fallen heroes must be appropriately shown the respect and dignity they have earned. I am proud that my district was at the heart of the movement to do just that.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY
Many of us have friends and relatives who have lost their lives in the service of their country. Across New York State, and in the neighborhoods that make up our area, there are so many who are profoundly affected by our lost servicemen and women. We should all take the time on Memorial Day to visit a headstone, place some flowers or an American Flag at the gravesite of a fallen soldier, or participate in one of the many community events taking place in our region.
On Saturday, May 25, I will proudly be marching down Main Street into Lafayette Park in a parade to commemorate Waterloo and its role in creating what is now Memorial Day. The Waterloo VFW American Legion color guard and Patriot Guard riders will lead marchers from youth groups and churches, alongside antique tractors, Woodie Cars and more. I am also honored to be speaking on May 27 at the Veterans' Memorial Service in the Town of Richmond. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be hosting a service honoring veterans on May 27 at 2:45 p.m. The cemetery is located at 6632 Route 96A in Romulus.
I hope you and your family and friends will join me in remembering America's heroes - much like those who participated in the inaugural ceremony in Waterloo.
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 e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.