Ogdensburg honors its fallen veterans at Memorial Day observance
"It has been paid for with the lives of our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our comrades and our friends," he stated. "Today, across America, communities like ours are gathering — not just to mourn those we've lost, but to celebrate the values they fought for courage, duty, honor, and sacrifice."
Each name on a gravemarker tells a story, according to the commander, a "story of someone who believed in something greater than themselves. And while we may never fully understand the depth of their sacrifice, we can strive to live lives worthy of their gift."
Compo added that on Memorial Day, families of those lost are also honored.
"Today we also honor the families of those lost, for you bear a burden that only you can comprehend. We are grateful for the support you gave your soldier, so they could carry out the mission of protecting the rest of us," said Compo. "It is our responsibility as citizens to remember the nation's brave fallen men and women — whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or after a lifetime in the uniform of our Army. Never forget the men and women who know all too much the cost of our freedom, for their service to this country is the greatest gift of all. Let us also not forget these families who have borne the heavy burden of loss. Their courage and strength reflect the enduring spirit of this nation. "
Compo said it's the mission of the members of the VFW to ensure that the legacy of the fall is never forgotten.
"Whether through ceremonies like this one, or through everyday acts of service, we carry their memory forward. So today, let us recommit ourselves to being guardians of their sacrifice. Let us teach our children what this day truly means. And let us live lives that reflect the best of what our fallen heroes stood for," concluded Compo.
Wreaths were laid at the veterans monument at Ogdensburgh Cemetery by City Council, VFW Post 2936 and its auxiliary, American Legion Post 69, U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club and the Ogdensburg Elks Club.
Ogdensburg Councilors Daniel Skamperle and Jennifer Stevenson place a wreath at the veterans monument at Ogdensburgh Cemetery on Monday at the annual Memorial Day observance. Matt Curatolo/ Watertown Daily Times
Outgoing VFW 2936 Auxiliary President Linda Compo and Incoming President Amanda Miller are pictured carrying a wreath to be set up before the veterans monument Monday. Matt Curatolo/Watertown Daily Times
The Ogdensburg Free Academy Marching Band is pictured performing prior to Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Ogdensburgh Cemetery. Matt Curatolo/ Watertown Daily Times
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