Memorial Day Watchfire 2023 Syracuse NY

'It's very healing to be here.' 

Memorial Day Watchfire returns after 3 years

Excerpt:  The Syracuse Watchfire returned to the New York State Fairgrounds this memorial day weekend, for the first time since 2019.

It's a tradition first used as a way to guide lost troops back to base camp—and for this Memorial Day weekend the watchfire brought people together to honor U.S. soldiers and veterans.

After having to cancel the event for the last three years, this year, there are more than 1,000 donated retired flags.

All to be placed into a massive wooden pile and set on fire—in honor of our soldiers and veterans.

“It's very healing to be here,” said veteran Annie Mancilla. “My husband and I have been coming for 15 years. Our kids have been coming their whole lives because they are eight and eleven. It’s a time to get together because not everyone is ready to go to the Memorial Day ceremonies. We’re here to remember those that have gone, and we’re here to also support those that are still with us, because that can be very hard.”  Story here

Photos by Raymond Dague

(Click on picture to enlarge)