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Memorial Day Around Rochester

Parade down Main Street in Rochester
Alex Crichton
Parade down Main Street in Rochester

Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Rochester as the city held its annual Memorial Day Parade.

For Chuck Least of Webster, it was a very solemn day.

"I'm a Navy vet and it seems the older I get, the more closely associated I get with my military service, and just to honor people that gave their lives," he said.  "It's not about the barbecue it's about the memories of people who gave their lives. That's a very true statement, and I eternalize that."

Mike Andorka of Chili of Gates was there to see his daughter who's in the color guard for the Gates High School band, and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"It's a great day, it honors all the soldiers that have fallen, a memorial day, and it's just great," he said.

Memorial Day Observance at Irondequoit Cemetery
Memorial Day Observance at Irondequoit Cemetery

Earlier in the day, two Irondequoit High School students played taps at the town cemetery as the 134th American Legion Post Hosted it's 89th annual Memorial Day Observance.

Vice Commander Alex Johnson hsa hosted this event the past 8 years, and says the Legion Post is dedicated to remembering those who have served this country.

"We dedicate our lives to the veterans, both that are deceased and those that are living, in dedication of what they did to make our country free," he said.

Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Seeley led the Pledge of Allegiance at the event.

He says for the younger residents, this event is a learning opportunity for them as they learn to appreciate the sacrifices that came before them, and that they are part of something larger than just their individual lives.

"It's a community and a country that's been fought for and defended over the years," he said.

Here's Chapter 20 of the Vietnam Veterans of America in Rochester marching in today's parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw6Jj1pAO88">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw6Jj1pAO88

Here's some of the ceremony in Irondequoit this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9XdbY-XJ2o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9XdbY-XJ2o