By: Shea O’Malley
OSWEGO – Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow gave a Memorial Day speech this morning via Facebook Live.
Barlow began by giving honor to the fallen military, who displayed their ultimate sacrifice for America’s freedoms.
Barlow acknowledged attendees Assemblyman Will Bartlett, President of the Oswego City Veterans Council George Hoffman, and Veteran of Foreign Wars Fifth District Manager Alan Wood.
Barlow acknowledged the desire of the City of Oswego to honor Memorial Day despite not being together due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Barlow mentioned the Civil War and the many lives lost in the conflict, speaking of communities who held ceremonies to honor their fallen.
Barlow specified Waterloo, New York, becoming the birthplace of Memorial Day, a declaration presented by President Lyndon Johnson and the U.S. Congress in 1966, citing Memorial Day as a federal holiday in 1971.
“Americans have always felt deep in their hearts the obligation to remember those who’ve perished in service to our nation, and to visit the sacred ground where the fallen are laid to rest,” Barlow said. “To adorn their graves with symbols of eternal respect and appreciation, and to be certain we include all of those who are missing in action resting for eternity on foreign soil.”
Barlow ended by encouraging people to remember the selfless sacrifice of the fallen as they continue to enjoy their freedoms in America today.
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