SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Onondaga County War Memorial celebrated its 75th anniversary Wednesday with a ceremony honoring veterans and their families.
The ceremony began with remarks from the Onondaga Veterans Council, followed by musical performances of the national anthem and “The Marines’ Hymn” by the North Syracuse Community Singers.
For Vietnam War veteran and Syracuse alumnus Marion Ervin, military service meant losing friends to war.
“It makes you grow up fast,” Ervin said.
But Ervin said the values he learned in the military were invaluable. His service instilled in him a sense of hard work and discipline.
The ceremony also honored the families of veterans, recognizing the loved ones they have lost and the sacrifices they have made.
Bernard McMillian was only 15 years old when he lost his father. He carries a photograph of himself standing beside his father’s tombstone on his jacket pocket.
“I didn’t get to go to his funeral or anything. But I do have his tombstone here, and he’s in the Veterans Cemetery in Long Island,” he said.
McMillian worked with Congo Box, a restaurant on the westside of Syracuse that provided free lunches to those attending the ceremony.
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens was among the attendees.
“Veterans Day isn’t a day off. It’s a day to remember, and it’s a day to remember everyone who has served across the multiple divisions of our armed services. So it’s an honor to be here,” she said.
The ceremony also included a video presentation highlighting renovations to the War Memorial, along with speeches from veterans, the VA Medical Center, families and community organizations.
The message throughout the ceremony was consistent: gratitude for those who served.
“To be able to walk the streets and go home and wake back up the next day. That’s an honor — that somebody went and fought for us to have this freedom here in America,” McMillian said.