SYRACUSE — In true Syracuse fashion, friends and neighbors gathered along the parade path to joke and talk as they waited for the parade to begin. Some residents secured some of their favorite viewing spots way in advance while others streamed in, filling empty spots that had been left.

A long line of police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and more started off the parade with wailing sirens that sent dogs howling and kids jolting with excitement. With bags waving in the air, kids eagerly awaited for the caravan to pass and leave sweet treats in their wake.

The parade led to the Syracuse Cemetery, where a crowd gathered with the American Legion Post 223. David Henry, a pastor and Air Force Reserve 2nd Lieutenant, started the ceremony with a prayer before continuing into his speech as guest speaker.

In Henry’s speech, he shared a story from a book about the suffering the country faced during the Civil War and how taking care of the dead is no easy afternoon task, yet someone must carry the burden just as fallen soldiers have carried the country’s burden upon their own shoulders.

After the names of the deceased were read, Henry concluded the ceremony with an outgoing prayer followed by the Post 223’s 21-gun salute.