Jamestown Remembers Fallen Soldiers


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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – To some, Memorial Day is just another day on the calendar, but organizers and onlookers for the Jamestown Memorial Day Parade understand the significance of the holiday.

From floats to guest speakers, those in the parade and subsequent ceremony, wanted to make sure that the day was to remember those who had fallen for the sake of their country and commend them for making the ultimate sacrifice.





“All gave some, and some gave all. When you can attach a name and a face to the latter part of that sentence, it’s something you can’t forget. It will stick with you forever,” said Vietnam Veteran Cameron Brooks.

During Vietnam Veteran Cameron Brook’s speech, he shared his worry that the meaning of Memorial Day is being forgotten.

“It’s a somber day, a somber day of remembrance or at least it should be. Unfortunately for many, it’s just another day off with pay, a day to party, and a day to enjoy the unofficial first day of summer,” Brooks said.





















Thankfully, those like Cub Scout pack leader Stephanie Johnston are working to ensure that the younger generations understand the importance of the day.

“I actually help run the Cub Scout pack and so we make sure the scouts know the meaning of Veteran’s Day. We work with the United Veteran’s Group and put flags in the cemetery and we teach them the meaning of today as well as respecting the flag,” Johnston said.

In the end, Brooks hopes everyone will appreciate the meaning of Memorial Day, and keep the fallen soldier’s memories alive.

“We must realize that there will be more who will give their all, their lives, and we will see them no more. They will be the future ones we will honor on this day and years to come. Let us not forget them, and the ones who rest in the cemeteries spread across this country and around the world,” Brooks said.









The ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery concluded with a flag raising in the center of Soldier’s Circle while the crowd paid their silent respects.  

 

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