Memorial Day Statement From New York Governor David A. Paterson

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May 25, 2009 -- “Memorial Day is a day when we pause as a nation to give thanks to the more than one million brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. It is a day to remember that the rights we hold dear and the freedoms we cherish are not without sacrifice. New York is proud of the men and women who have stepped forward to serve. They have displayed selfless devotion to preserve the liberties and freedoms enjoyed not only in the United States, but throughout the world.

“Today, I call on all New Yorkers to observe the National Moment of Remembrance established by Congress in honor of America’s fallen. At 3 p.m. local time, Americans are asked wherever they are on Memorial Day to pause, reflect, and observe the Moment. The importance of the Moment is underscored by a Gallup poll which revealed that only 28 percent of Americans know the meaning of this noble holiday. Our goal is to put the “Memorial” back in Memorial Day.

“New York’s role in remembering its fallen heroes reaches far back into history. The first community-wide observance of Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, was held by the residents of Waterloo, New York, on May 5, 1866. The town’s businesses closed and flags were flown at half-staff. That year, townspeople marched to cemeteries to place wreaths at the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers and to pay their solemn respects. Today, New Yorkers across the State will visit cemeteries to honor the sacrifice of not only our fallen Civil War veterans, but of the generations of veterans who followed in their footsteps.

“Since September 11, 2001, nearly 1.8 million Americans – more than 80,000 of them New Yorkers – have served in combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, or both. As of this Memorial Day, more than 340 have died in the war against terrorism. Let us remember them.

“By honoring our fallen heroes, we find inspiration in those men and women who gave their lives for us. We hope that all Americans contemplate the tradition and values of service that bind us together. During this time of commemoration, I encourage all citizens to participate in this day of remembrance, paying tribute to those who died in service to our Nation, and honoring those veterans who are still with us.

“We mourn the loss of those brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we give our thanks for those who have returned home to their families and loved ones, and we pray for the safety of those who stand, ever-vigilant, against the threat of tyranny in far-flung and hostile locations around the world.”

Source: New York Governor