At the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, a Memorial Day ceremony honored fallen service members.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Memorial Day ceremony at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park brought together veterans, families, and community members Monday to honor the nation's fallen service members.
Surrounded by memorials and historic vessels, speakers reflected on sacrifice, service, and remembrance.
The President and CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park described the significance of the site and its memorials: “That steel remembers, these vessels remember, and the names carved into the memorials around these gardens carry forward in stories remind us that freedom has always come at a cost paid by others on behalf of generations they would never meet.â€
The ceremony included tributes to those who never returned home from war and stories shared about service and loss. Another reflection focused several heroes including Army Captain Isaac Davis and his final words to his wife before heading to battle. “Take good care of the children, those are the last words Issac Davis said to his wife as he head out to war. Take good care of the children.â€
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Jason Godios honored the broader promise of remembrance: “We honor a promise to never forget their service. We mourn and we must carry on. I say that again, we must carry on. To do otherwise is a disservice to their legacy.â€
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Jason Godios , founder of The Battle Within Foundation and keynote speaker, also addressed the crowd. A combat veteran who served in Iraq, Godios spoke about remembrance, service, and the struggles many veterans face after returning home.
His organization places thousands of flags each Memorial Day at the park in honor of veterans lost to suicide and PTSD.
“7,300 we could have saved. 7,300 of my fellow veterans I wish I could have helped or told them that there are a billion other options rather than taking that exit strategy. 7,300 veterans I wish we could have reminded them that they were warriors once and not to fall victim to the trap of feeling powerless.â€
Godios said this year's display included 7,300 flags, each representing an estimated veteran lost since last Memorial Day. The ceremony also highlighted ongoing struggles faced by veterans after service, as well as efforts to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
Organizers said the park's mission is to honor, educate, inspire, and preserve, emphasizing that Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance rather than celebration.
As the ceremony concluded, speakers urged attendees to remember the fallen and the families who carry their legacy forward.
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