In the days leading up to Memorial Day each year, it is the great honor of parade committee members and community volunteers to gather at our local cemeteries and place flags on the graves of veterans and soldiers. The original purpose of Memorial Day (formerly known as “Decoration Day”) was to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers and carrying on this tradition so many years later is a great privilege.

     Although we honor all deceased veterans with a flag on their graves, it is those who have died defending our nation whose sacrifices we remember on this holiday. Below are several stories of soldiers from the Camillus area or who are buried in the town of Camillus who paid the ultimate price for our cherished American liberties. Please take a few moments to learn about them, honor them and remember them. Please share their stories with family and friends so that these special people whose last breaths give flight to our flag will not be forgotten by time. If you know of a soldier from Camillus or buried in Camillus who died in combat or as a result of combat injuries who is not listed, please let us know by sending an email to camillusparade@gmail.com. More stories will be forthcoming. Feel free to email if you are a relative/friend of one of these deceased soldiers and would like to add information.