Our nation’s responsibility is not just to support and take care of our military members while they serve, but also to help, honor and care for them as veterans.

Veterans Day is a yearly reminder of this. It’s an opportunity to express our gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices and service. I am proud to host the 12th Annual CNY Veterans Parade and Expo, as it is an event that allows us not only to express our gratitude, but also to showcase the role veterans play in our community.

The Expo features about 100 organizations in Central New York that serve veterans and military members.  These organizations, which recognize the unique challenges that veterans face, are able to provide valuable information about the services they provide to our veterans. The Expo also features displays of historic military memorabilia, artifacts and equipment. During recent years, I was thrilled to see WWII veterans being able to converse with more recent veterans and military members about their experiences in the military, while looking at the military equipment on display. I feel strongly that it is important to recognize the experiences of veterans from past conflicts. These experiences are bits of our history as a country that need to be told and appreciated, especially as we continue to loose WWII veterans on a daily basis.

The parade circles Chevy Court at noon. It is a great opportunity to come and applaud veterans as they represent their organizations and military service. The parade also features numerous high school marching bands and active military units. It is an hour-long patriotic and celebratory event to recognize, honor and salute our veterans.

This year’s Grand Marshals are great representatives of veterans and veteran services in our local community. Elton Fairbank is a WWII Navy veteran who went on to teach in Central New York and Syracuse University. Lisa Kennedy is the events coordinator for Syracuse’s Honor Flight, an organization that flies veterans to the national memorials in Washington, D.C. The two Grand Marshals have a unique bond: Lisa Kennedy served as Elton Fairbank’s guardian during his recent Honor Flight trip.

Also new this year, the Navy Band Northeast and the West Point Drill Team will be marching in the parade. Both provide an exciting performance that portrays the precision, talent, and discipline required of their members. The West Point Drill Team will also perform at the Expo.

I invite everyone to the 12th Annual CNY Veterans Parade and Expo on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the NYS Fairgrounds. It is a wonderful time to honor our veterans by saying “Thank You,” and to recognize the organizations in our community that serve them.

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other state issue, please don’t hesitate to call my Syracuse office at: 315-428-9651.

CNY Veterans Parade and Expo schedule

Saturday Nov. 9 at the NYS Fairgrounds

• 8:30 to 11 a.m.: Breakfast for the Veterans: American Legion Valley Post 1468 and the 174th Attack Wing will be putting on a breakfast in the Center of Progress Building from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Veterans and active military eat for free. Adults $8 presale; children $4.

• 9 a.m.: Baldwinsville Community Band

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Expo and blood drive at Center of Progress Building

• 10 a.m.: West Point Drill Team

• 10:45 a.m.: Onondaga Community College Concert Choir and Brass Ensemble

• Noon: Parade

New this year is the “Lest We Forget” World War I Mobile Museum, a traveling exhibition of more than 200 artifacts and photographs.

The CNY Red Cross Blood Services will be on hand for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Expo. The sponsor code CNYVETEXPO can be used at redcrossblood.org to reserve a time to donate.

For more information, visit CNYVeteransParade.org.