As Memorial Day approaches, the residents of Erie County, New York are preparing to celebrate this important holiday in a meaningful and respectful way. This day is not just about barbecues and sales, but it is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first observed after the Civil War as a way to honor the soldiers who died in battle. It was officially declared a federal holiday in 1971 and is now celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. While many people associate Memorial Day with the start of summer and a long weekend, it is important to remember the true meaning behind this holiday. It is a time to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.Parades and Ceremonies
One of the most common ways that people in Erie County celebrate Memorial Day is through parades and ceremonies.These events are organized by local veterans' organizations, community groups, and government agencies. The largest parade in Erie County takes place in Buffalo, where thousands of people line the streets to watch as veterans, active military members, and community groups march by. The parade ends at Forest Lawn Cemetery where a ceremony is held to honor fallen soldiers. In addition to the parade in Buffalo, there are also smaller parades and ceremonies held in other towns throughout Erie County. These events often include speeches from local officials, wreath-laying ceremonies, and musical performances.
Memorial Day Services at Cemeteries
Another way that people in Erie County pay their respects on Memorial Day is by attending services at cemeteries. Many cemeteries in the county have special services and ceremonies to honor the veterans buried there. One of the most well-known cemeteries in Erie County is the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, which is home to several decommissioned military vessels.On Memorial Day, the park holds a special ceremony to honor all branches of the military. Other cemeteries in the county, such as Forest Lawn Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery, also hold services and ceremonies on Memorial Day. These events often include a reading of the names of local soldiers who have died in service.
Visiting War Memorials
Erie County is home to several war memorials that serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made by our military members. On Memorial Day, many people visit these memorials to pay their respects and leave flowers or other tokens of remembrance. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park has a memorial wall that lists the names of all local soldiers who have died in service since World War II. The park also has a Korean War Memorial and a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Other war memorials in Erie County include the Buffalo Soldiers Monument, which honors African American soldiers who served in the Civil War, and the Purple Heart Monument, which pays tribute to those who have been wounded or killed in combat.Volunteering and Giving Back
Many people in Erie County choose to spend their Memorial Day giving back to their community and honoring veterans in a different way.There are several organizations that offer volunteer opportunities on this day, such as Wreaths Across America and Operation Gratitude. In addition to volunteering, many people also choose to make donations to organizations that support veterans and their families. This can include donating to local VA hospitals, veteran support groups, or military charities.
