Column: State Senator Tom O'Mara

"For as long as we remember"

ALBANY, May 24, 2026 -- From Arlington in our nation's capital to Woodlawn, Bath, and Romulus here at home -- and at thousands of other veterans' cemeteries and monuments across this land -- Americans gather once again to observe Memorial Day.

The nation's long-standing Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery is highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on which the following words are inscribed: "Here rests in honored glory an American solider known but to God."

Therein lies the essence of Memorial Day: To pause in our daily lives and remember the American soldiers who now rest "in honored glory" in devotion and service to all Americans -- to our families, our friends and neighbors, our communities, our state, and our nation.

In that spirit, we continue to raise the American Flag. Here at home, we proudly recognize New York State as the "Birthplace of Memorial Day," which our nation has observed since the time of the Civil War.

We will stand proud at the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes in Romulus. As part of this year’s observance there, our tribute will include, through a "Purple Heart Roll Call of Honor," a reading of the names of 34 Purple Heart recipients interred at the cemetery.

This year's Memorial Day observance will also honor two distinguished veterans connected to the former Sampson Naval Training Station and Sampson Air Force Base: World War II Sampson Navy Veteran Lloyd Evans of Geneva, New York, and Sampson Air Force Veteran Dr. Ken Padgett, former President of the New York Chiropractic College and longtime Seneca County resident. I have been joined by my Finger Lakes legislative colleagues, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, to sponsor and secure the enactment of Legislative Resolutions in recognition of these salutes.

It is our great privilege and a deep honor to represent the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes where so many come, from far and wide, like we do on Memorial Day, to remember and to again salute the service of these great American heroes. We remember their service, we recall their sacrifice, and we express our deepest gratitude and respect to their families and loved ones. During this year when we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, we are equally proud this Memorial Day to pay a special tribute to the 34 Purple Heart recipients whose final resting place is here in the Finger Lakes. We honor their courage, their valor, their devotion to service, and the unshakeable love for our nation they demonstrated throughout their lives.

New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes Director William Yale states, "The New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes is a solemn place where families gather not only to mourn, but to remember lives defined by courage, duty, and love of country. Every name honored here represents a story of sacrifice and service that helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As we gather this Memorial Day, we do so with profound gratitude for those who gave so much for our nation and with a solemn commitment to ensure their memory is never forgotten."

Former New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, who currently chairs the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes, adds, "During the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes are deeply honored to pay tribute to these heroic recipients of the Purple Heart, who were wounded while serving and defending our Nation during time of need. We are especially grateful to Senator O'Mara, and Assemblymen Palmesano and Gallahan for providing this special recognition. The Friends are continually vigilant in recognizing and honoring those 750,000 men and women who, for a period of over 30 years, completed basic training at the Sampson Naval Base during World War II and then the Sampson Air Force Base. It was at this place where they prepared for battle to defend our Nation, some never to return. Those brave individuals truly consecrated the hallowed ground where the New York State Veterans Cemetery is now located."

Throughout generations of Americans on Memorial Day, many words have been shared to honor the memory -- and the service and sacrifice -- of our fallen heroes.

We turn enduring thoughts and prayers to our local soldiers, the heroes, who gave their lives.

We honor wounded warriors, and we support the men and women serving in harm's way at this very moment -- shining examples of bravery, eternal honor and respect, and courage and conviction.

We salute all New York State veterans and millions more strengthening communities across our nation.

America's Armed Forces have made and will continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free, so that she can lead the way to a freer world.

The sacrifices of our military will keep alive America's promise, so that people throughout the world will look to her for inspiration.

Our servicemen and servicewomen will keep America strong, so that other nations will draw courage from her strength.

For as long as we remember and keep them alive in our hearts, we will stand as we do -- free in a land of opportunity and promise.

The spirit of this salute will endure and persevere.

God Bless America and God Bless our troops.

Photo in text: State Senator Tom O'Mara

Legislature Chairman

Carl Blowers, 535-6174 or 237-5469

Legislature Members:

Gary Gray, 292-9922

Robert Halpin

Jeffrey Fazzary

Gail M. Walker

Phil Barnes, Watkins Glen, 481-0482

Mark Rondinaro, 398-0648

Laurence Jaynes

County Clerk: Theresa Philbin, 535-8133

Sheriff: Kevin Rumsey, 535-8222

Undersheriff: Andrew Zeigler, 535-8222

County Treasurer: Holley Sokolowski, 535-8181

District Attorney: Jeremy Hourilhan, 535-8383

State, Federal Officials for Schuyler County

Sen. Charles E. Schumer

United States Senate
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3201
DC Phone: 202-224-6542
DC Fax: 202-228-3027
Email Address: http://schumer.senate.gov/webform.html

Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand

United States Senate
478 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
DC Phone: 202-224-4451
Website: http://gillibrand.senate.gov/

State Senator Tom O'Mara -- Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates, and eastern Allegany County (towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).

Room 706, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2091
Fax: (518) 426-6976
www.omara.nysenate.gov

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano-- All of Schuyler and Yates, majority of Steuben, and portions of Chemung and Seneca counties.

Room 448, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
Phone: (518) 455-5791
Fax: (518) 455-4644
Website: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Philip-A-Palmesano/