Observing Memorial Day in Greater Binghamton

To some people, Memorial Day is just a Monday off from work or school. Some just look at it as a three day weekend, a great time to plan cookouts and parties with family and friends. To others, it's the unofficial start of summer, time to open pools and plant flowers and get the yard in shape. But, Memorial Day is so much more than that. It's a federal holiday in the United States that is observed every year on the last Monday in May. It is a day set aside to remember the people who died while serving in the armed forces. There are a lot of different events planned in our area to honor our fallen countrymen and women. I put together a list of events in case you wanted a way to show your appreciation.

Binghamton: The annual Memorial Day City Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Monday. Starting at the American Legion Post 80, 76 Main St. and continue down Main St. to Court St., and then on to the Broome County Courthouse where a ceremony will take place.

Town of Binghamton; A Parade will be held Monday morning at 10 a.m. starting at the fire station in Hawleyton.

Endicott: The Memorial Day Parade will get underway at 10:30 in the morning, and proceed down Washington Ave to the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Main St. across from the High School. A service will be held there starting at 11 a.m.

Johnson City: The VFW and American Legion have teamed up to organize a parade from Ozalid Road to Main St. with a ceremony to follow at the gazebo at the park. The parade starts at 10 a.m.

Owego: The Memorial Day Parade starts at 10:30 at the Owego Police Station on Temple St and proceeds down North Ave, to Main Street, and then on to Front St. A Service of Remembrance will follow at the Tioga County Veteran’s Memorial in front of the Courthouse.

Oxford: The town of Oxford has several ceremonies being held on Memorial day including a parade that will start at 9:30 am at the Oxford American Legion Post on South Washington Ave.

Vestal: Usually has a parade but I wasn't able to find anything to confirm that this year.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope you have a great, safe Memorial Day Weekend, and please don’t forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.