Memorial Day is celebrated every year as a national day of
remembrance to honor our fallen American soldiers, both past and
present. The holiday weekend is often used to mark the beginning
of summer, a time when people come together at parades and
celebrations to remember those who have given the ultimate
sacrifice for our freedom. Finding its roots right here in New
York, on a main street in the village of Waterloo, Memorial Day
was first celebrated in the spring of 1866. Now, nearly a
century and a half later, we continue in the same fashion to
honor our fallen soldiers. Flags are hung at half mast, flowers
are placed on the graves of our lost soldiers and ceremonies are
held in cities and towns across the country to commemorate those
who gave their lives to protect our families, our homes and our
nation. It is a day that unites our country and allows us time
to reflect and express our utmost gratitude to those fallen in
the fight for freedom. In recent weeks, we have had an important
reminder of the braver