SYRACUSE -- Many in Onondaga County, and around the nation, took time to remember the lives lost during war.
Thursday morning at the War Memorial in downtown Syracuse, elected officials and Korean War Veterans gathered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner thanked veterans for their service. The Gold Star Mothers also laid a wreath inside to recount those who died. The Josephine Federico School of Music Chorus entertained those in attendance.
This year's ceremony marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Several veterans known as the "Chosin Few" were remembered for their efforts. The group found themselves surrounded by communist troops at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and had to fight their way out.
Jim Ferris is a Korean War Veteran who says the Battle of Chosin Reservoir took more than 40 days. Today, he's remembered the thousands of lives lost.
"It's just a shame. They never had a chance to do the great things I was able to do - raise a family, have grandchildren, get an education, have a career. Their life has zipped on at a very early age."
Across town at Syracuse University, an inaugural Veterans Day ceremony was held at 11:00 am. The event was held inside Hendricks Chapel, where school officials and members of the ROTC remembered all veterans.
ROTC members later raised the American flag on the Quad to the playing of "Taps." This was the final stop for the flag on a 13-city route. It all started on Flag Day, June 14th, in Syracuse. The flag was flown in places including Afghanistan, Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Drum, and the U.S. Justice Department.
