Honoring our Military on Memorial Day

Residents in upstate New York are preparing for a Memorial Day Watchfire on Sunday, May 28^th in the New York State Fair’s Brown parking lot. Organized by the Central New York (CNY) Veterans Recognition Foundation, the watchfire will be built using old wooden pallets and other scrap wood. The purpose of a watchfire in battle is to help those missing or lost find and rejoin their comrades. This Memorial Day, the watchfire will be lit to honor those who have faithfully served the nation. Veterans and citizens are invited to gather at dusk to watch the lighting of the pyre.

Citizens everywhere can donate to 21^st Century Heroes, which is a nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic and recreational woodcarving workshops for combat wounded veterans. In addition to building camaraderie and support among participants, the experience introduces a new hobby, artistic outlet, or even a new career.

Another way you can honor our military is buying from veteran-owned businesses. Start by purchasing and proudly displaying a hand-crafted wooden flag created by combat veterans. Flags of Valor is a veteran owned and operated company that employs dozens of veterans and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Veteran and First Responder charities.

Rose Pallet would like to publicly salute all five armed-service branches for all you have sacrificed to protect this great nation, our traditions, and values.

Whatever your plans, we hope you have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend ahead.