Whitesboro Honors Fallen Heroes at Memorial Day Parade

A year after the pandemic wiped out the beloved annual tradition, Whitesboro held its Memorial Day parade Monday to honor those who died in the armed forces.

Hundreds lined Main Street to watch the procession, which included the Oneida County Sherriff's Department, the Whitesboro Fire Department, local Boy and Cub Scout troops, veterans groups and elected officials such as Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Asssemblywoman Marriane Buttenschon.

Amidst the bells and whistles of the parade, the meaning of Memorial Day was never lost. Veterans such as 96-year-old World War II veteran Jack Hensel reminded people of the sacrifice made by America's war heroes.

"I was on a ship that, in just two hours, lost 832 people," Hensel said. "They were killed. I lost a lot of good friends that day."

A wreath was layed at a post-parade ceremony, and the American flag was raised at half-staff.