Memorial Day

May 2015

** Press Release **
Friday, May 22nd, 2015
On Memorial Day We Honor Those Who Have Made
the Ultimate Sacrifice
Engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in our nations capital is the expression,
Freedom Is Not Free. Never is that more apparent than each and every Memorial Day.
While we are always thankful for the sacrifices made by all those who have served our country,
Memorial Day is the time to remind ourselves just how much these brave men and women have
given, and recognize the valor and dedication they have shown while defending our democracy
and the values we hold so dear.
Our state has a strong history of supporting veterans. In fact, Memorial Day got its start in
Waterloo, NY, in 1866. Families gathered together to honor their loved ones by placing flowers
on their graves and lowering flags to half-staff. That spirit continues today as people all over the
country gather on Memorial Day to pay their respects to our fallen heroes.
Here in our community, its especially important to remember local soldiers who have fallen in
battle. Over 6,000 Americans have tragically lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom.1 Those brave men and women, who have sacrificed their lives in
defense of our nation, and the families they have left behind, deserve to be honored and
recognized. Unfortunately, they are not alone. We commemorate the memories of all those who
have fallen in our defense, including those who served in the Gulf War, Panama, Vietnam,
Korea, World Wars I and II - all the way back to our countrys founding.
Currently, our state is home to almost 900,000 veterans, 630,000 of whom served during
wartimes.2 These soldiers put their lives on the line in service of our country, and this Memorial
Day, we stand with them in honoring their fallen brothers and sisters. Moreover, tens of
thousands of U.S. military personnel continue to serve in combat and potential combat zones
around the world. They are in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope they are in yours as well as
they fulfill their duty safeguarding our freedoms and our families.
Here in our community, you can show your support for veterans and their families by attending
some of the events throughout central Brooklyn.
If you have any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please feel free
to contact my office at 718-596-0100 or mosleyw@assembly.state.ny.us.
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