26-05-2025
Hundreds attend Memorial Day parades across the Southern Tier
ENDICOTT, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – The largest post-COVID Memorial Day crowd in Endicott lined Washington Ave today to honor our nation's veterans.
Endicott held its annual Memorial Day parade on Washington Ave today, prior to hosting a ceremony at the Endicott War Memorial. The parade featured local veterans' groups, the Union-Endicott High School marching band, emergency services, civic organizations, dignitaries, and a host of other community participants.
After the precession, spectators gathered for a memorial service to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Chaplain Dennis Nota explains the importance of observing the federal holiday.
'Today, we stand to remember the most honorable amongst us, and we must continue to carry the burden of their sacrifice. Lest we lose sight of what true freedom is. Today is for remembering, to stand in honor of them, walk in their path of duty, remember the cost, and hold in your heart the cost of freedom,' said Chaplain Nota during his benediction.
The ceremony included a reading of the Gettysburg Address, a performance of Amazing Grace by the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band, and the playing of TAPS by a Marine. Anny Hogan Camp, the Post Commander for VFW Post 1449, announced that the out-of-commission mailbox at the memorial is finding new use as a U.S. flag retirement box.
In addition to the holiday, the day marks the opening of the Villages carousel and pool at George W. Johnson Memorial Park.
Two hours later, the City of Binghamton hosted its Memorial Day Parade. The procession kicked off at the American Legion Post 80 on Main Street and continued to the Broome Country Courthouse.
A plethora of groups participated today, including the Binghamton Police and Fire Department, New York State Police, Broome County Sheriff's office, the Rumble Ponies, the Triple Cities Choppers, and perhaps the longest and flashiest of the day, the Twin Tiers Mustang Club. Broome County Clerk Joeseph Mihalko emceed the event, which included providing commentary and introducing the organizations to spectators.
As the story goes, Memorial Day was first observed in Waterloo, New York, in 1866. It was originally known as 'Decoration Day.' The holiday was created to honor those who gave their lives in the Civil War.
Binghamton adopted the tradition three years later, and in the years following, New York State was the first in the nation to make it a holiday in 1874.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
