Governor Hochul walks alongside veterans and families during Memorial Day parade in the heart of Albany

Albany, New York – Under clear skies and amid the solemn sound of marching footsteps and fluttering flags, Governor Kathy Hochul joined veterans, service members, families, and local officials in Albany’s Memorial Day parade on May 26, 2025. The day was filled with reverence, gratitude, and remembrance as New Yorkers came together to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

The annual parade, which draws crowds from across the Capital Region, took on a particularly poignant tone as Governor Hochul walked alongside Gold Star families—those who have lost loved ones in military service. With every step, she carried the weight of history and sacrifice, highlighting the importance of never forgetting the price of freedom.

Speaking to the crowd gathered in Albany, Hochul emphasized the magnitude of military service, stating, “Only 1 percent of Americans ever stand up to be trained, to wear a uniform and be willing to lay down their lives for the fellow man. That, to me, is extraordinary, and I take that seriously … My heart continues to break for these families and all the Gold Star families, and so in awe of those who wear a uniform in the past or today. Your Governor is so grateful, and on behalf of 20 million New Yorkers, I say thank you.”

Her words echoed the deeper meaning of Memorial Day, a holiday that often blends into the rhythm of backyard barbecues and three-day weekends. But in Albany, the governor urged New Yorkers to pause, reflect, and truly understand the sacrifice behind the stars and stripes.

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In her speech, Hochul reflected on the long history of American military sacrifice, stretching back to the Revolutionary War. She reminded those in attendance that more than 1.4 million Americans have died in service to the country since its founding. While that number can seem distant and abstract, Hochul made it deeply personal by honoring individual stories of loss.

She spoke of the Frankoski and Grassia families—two families from New York who lost their children, Casey and John, in a tragic helicopter crash in March 2024. Their stories brought a powerful emotional current to the day’s events.

“There must be something really special about the parenting, the conversations that go on at home, the life lessons that are taught that inspire their very children to say, ‘I’m willing to put myself in harm’s way to defend people I may never, ever see,’” Hochul said, recalling the young service members’ bravery.

To honor their memory, the governor signed legislation to name a Rensselaer bridge after Casey Frankoski and is currently working to name a Rotterdam bridge in memory of John Grassia. The goal, she said, is to ensure that passersby see those names and ask questions—keeping their legacies alive through curiosity, education, and respect.

“Ask the question so her name and understanding her story are never forgotten,” she urged.

Hochul also used her speech to reflect on the unifying power of military service. In a nation often divided by politics, she highlighted how shared duty transcends ideology and partisanship.

“You didn’t know whether the person serving next to you … whether they’re from a blue state or a red state; you don’t know how they vote; and actually, you don’t care because this is a bonding moment for all of us. These days, this service to be true Americans and I think it’s about time we all stand up and proudly honor the flag, honor the traditions that have brought us together.”

That spirit of unity was palpable throughout Albany, as families, veterans, and children stood shoulder-to-shoulder along the parade route, waving flags and paying tribute. Hochul even brought her three-year-old granddaughter to the event, emphasizing the importance of instilling respect and understanding in the next generation.

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“It is so essential that they see this,” she said. “People come together.”

Later in the day, the governor announced that 16 state landmarks across New York would be lit in red, white, and blue on the night of May 26 to commemorate Memorial Day. The display of patriotic lights serves as a silent tribute to the fallen, a visual reminder of courage and service across the state skyline.

The moment was also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership. Hochul acknowledged the difficult decisions she has to make as governor when deploying the National Guard, whether to assist in natural disasters or public emergencies.

“I sit in that very building and make decisions about where our National Guard will go for State service. I have had to send them into harm’s way — natural disasters, man-made disasters here in our own State, and I could not be prouder, but the weight of that responsibility on my shoulders weighs heavily.”

That heavy sense of duty and compassion was evident throughout the day. For many in attendance, the governor’s presence wasn’t just ceremonial—it was deeply symbolic. Her words carried the voice of a state determined to remember and honor, not only on Memorial Day but throughout the year.

As taps echoed down the city streets and flags rippled in the breeze, it was clear that the day was about more than ceremony. It was about remembering names, faces, and families. It was about honoring sacrifice—not just in speeches but in action.

And in the closing moments of her remarks, Hochul reminded New Yorkers what Memorial Day truly represents.

“God bless the great State of New York and God bless America.”

As the sun began to set over the Empire State’s capital, its buildings prepared to glow in patriotic hues—a soft but steady promise that the memory of the fallen would shine on.