Community gathers to honor our veterans at Soldier’s Field Park

(ABC 6 News) – On this Memorial Day, we remember those who died fighting for our freedom.

It was an emotional afternoon in Rochester as our local veterans were remembered.

It was the first time since 2018 that the Memorial Day program took place. More than 20 veteran organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other community groups took part in the ceremony. Bringing together all generations and remembering lives lost.

“It’s really emotional,” said Joe P. Brown Sr., the master of ceremonies at this year’s program. “Memorial Day is honoring the ones that have paid it off.”

For Duane Grafe who served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s, he’s proud America continues to honor veterans, all these years later.

“It’s a miracle,” said Grafe. “Sixty-five years in fact since I went in. I’ve learned a lot and I have met a lot of great people from it.”

The program was followed by another ceremony at Center Street Bridge to remember those buried at sea.