Thousands of people filled the Veterans Memorial Watchfire Park at the New York State Fairgrounds Sunday evening to watch hundreds of flags be burned honorably.

It was the 25th year of the watchfire, and those in attendance paid their respects either to the flag they were honorably disposing of, or to their loved ones lost or currently serving in battle.

"It's the one time of year when they burn all of the flags," Christopher Jennings said. "They don't just throw them in the garbage."

Jennings also wrote on the wall that was set next to the pyre of flags, paying tribute to her grandparents that had served in battle.

While Jennings wrote on the wall to remember someone she had lost, others wrote on the wall to those currently serving, saying Memorial Day is another way of honoring their family and friends that are currently overseas.

"We went over and took a look at the board," Mel Simmons, a retired firemedic said. "People are writing messages for their loved ones, those missing in action, and for the ones that lost their lives in the service. It's just a way for people to find closure and to express themselves."