For the first eight years of my life, I was an Army kid who moved state to state, base to base. My grandpa is retired Navy, one of my uncles is active Air Force and I’ve got two other uncles who served in the Navy and in the Air Force. Service to country runs deep in the blood of my family and the troops hold a very special place in my heart.

It' easy for anyone, really, to get wrapped up in the politics of this and the politics of that, but what if we were to put all of that aside for one day and instead focus on remembering the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives who made the choice to stand for their country? In all reality, it is because of these people that you and I will be able to be with our loved ones this Memorial Day weekend.

In the midst of whatever it is you’ve got planned, I hope you’ll find the time to show your support for the former and current military and for our troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

  • 1

    Binghamton (City) Memorial Day Parade

    The Binghamton Memorial Day parade steps off on Monday, May 27th at 12 p.m. from the American Legion Post 80 which is located at 76 Main Street. The parade will proceed down Main Street to the Broome County Courthouse where a ceremony will follow.

  • 2

    Hancock Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff

    The second Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival will be held in the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in Hancock on Saturday, May 25th and admission is free. There will be five different blues bands, food, artists, crafts, a farm market, games and more. Learn more here.

  • 3

    General Clinton Canoe Regatta

    For almost 60 years, people from the Southern Tier and beyond have welcomed the unofficial start of summer with the General Clinton Canoe Regatta and this weekend will be no different. Learn about this four-day event (which begins on Friday, May 24th) here.

  • 4

    Wrench Wranch Wishes Annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Festival

    The Wrench Wranch Wishes Annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Festival will take place from Friday, May 24th through Sunday, May 26th at 117 Wrench Lane in Bainbridge. There will be nearly a dozen musical entertainers, a kid’s tent, parade, vendors and more. Weekend passes are $40 per person. Day passes are $10 for Friday, $20 for Saturday, and $15 for Sunday. Children 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

  • 5

    Afton Memorial Day Parade

    The Afton Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27th, starting at 10 a.m. and will proceed down Main Street to the bridge overlooking the Susquehanna River. There will be a short program on the bridge to honor fallen veterans during which time, students will be able to toss flowers (cut, no plastic/artificial) into the river. The procession will then continue to Foster Park for the ceremony. The community is invited to participate in the parade by marching or decorating strollers, carriages, tricycles, bicycles, wagons, etc. If you plan on being in the parade, you should be at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church on South Main Street by 9:40 a.m. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • 7

    Liberty Community Park Memorial Day BBQ

    Liberty Community Park will host their annual Memorial Day BBQ and Marketplace on Monday, May 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Liberty Community Park,
    619 Liberty Park Road in Hallstead, PA. 350 dinners will be made and served at the cost of $10 for a full dinner and $6 for a half dinner. There will also be yard sales, crafters and vendors.

  • 8

    Painted Post Memorial Day Parade

    The Painted Post Fire Department will host a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 10:00 a.m. The fire department will load your kiddos up on the fire trucks by 9:45 am and then they'll be paraded around the Village, stopping at both fo the Village monuments to pay tribute. a Flanders Field and Military 21-Gun Salute will be demonstrated at the Centennial monument location and the event will end with a Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Celebration at the fire station. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

  • 9

    7th Annual Memorial Day Balloon Walk Honoring the Fallen

    The 7th annual Memorial Day Balloon Walk Honoring the Fallen From PA will take place on Monday, May 27th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Triton Hose Company,
    116 W Tioga St, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania 18657.

  • 12

    Cortland Old Timers Band Memorial Day Celebration

    You're invited to join the Cortland Old Timers Band for a free concert in front of the VFW on Main Street in Cortland on Monday, May 27th starting at 10:00 a.m. a ceremony will follow at Court House Park at 12:00 p.m.

  • 13

    Masonville Memorial Day Chicken BBQ

    Masonville Federated Church at the Corner of NY 8 and NY 206 in Masonville will host a Memorial Day Chicken BBQ following the Masonville parade on Monday, May 27th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The price is $9.00 for adults and you'll be able to buy half chicken at the pit.

  • 14

    Memorial Day "Murph"

    According to CrossFit Syracuse, "Every Memorial Day, we honor Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor." From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is. Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it."

    This event will be held on Monday, May 27th from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at CrossFit Syracuse, 3030 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, New York 13224.

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