A Different Memorial Day in Broome County

This Monday is Memorial Day. The date that is set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives defending our freedom.

On any other Memorial Day there would be parades all throughout the Binghamton area as well as services at monuments that honor are countries greatest Heroes. But, due to the ban on mass gatherings due to the Coronavirus, the parades and ceremonies have all been canceled. But that doesn't mean that the day should be ignored.

Usually on Memorial Day, after I get off the air, Chris and I attend the Memorial Day Parade on Washington Street in Endicott. The parade starts in the former IBM parking lots and precedes down to Main Street, where a service is held across from Union-Endicott High School at Memorial Park.

The parade includes high school bands, pipe and drum bands, local veterans representing every branch of the United States Military, and the submarine veterans are there every year with their submarine float.

Once the parade it over, the memorial service starts at Memorial Park. It's a very moving ceremony that includes the reading of the Gettysburg Address, prayers, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps. The service also includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem, and the reading of General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order.

Even though that will not be taking place this year, I will make sure that I pause during the day on Monday and remember those who gave their lives so we can live in a free country. I hope you do the same.