Onondaga County honors local heroes for Veterans Day

“Dedication to the Service and Beyond” — that was the theme of the 2025 Veterans Day Observance in Onondaga County. 

Dozens of veterans from all branches of the armed forces gathered at the Onondaga County War Memorial Hall on Tuesday to honor the sacrifices made in serving the United States on Veterans Day.

“In so many ways, the cost is so great. But we are grateful that there are those who are willing to pay the price,” said Lt. Col Matthew Hallenbeck.

The ceremony featured honors, renditions of patriotic music and an emotional 30-second pause of silence to remember those who lost their lives while protecting the country.

“When the bells of freedom first rang out, we were there,” Herb Dunmore, an American Legion Dunbar Post 1642 Commander, said. “Whenever and wherever America called, we were there.” 

Tribute performances during the ceremony included an Irish blessing with bagpipes and a rendition of God Bless America by the North Syracuse Community Singers. Veterans who served domestically, either in domestic battles or after 9/11, were presented with flower wreaths.

Onondaga County legislator Charles Garland, a lifelong Syracuse resident and Navy veteran, said the time he served on the Mediterranean Sea will never leave him.

“I was a part of the USS Belknap and was the electronic warfare technician operator,” said Garland. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” 

Courtesy of Charles Garland

Charles Garland, who served in the U.S. Navy, in 1984.

Courtesy of Charles Garland

Charles Garland’s son, Ben, who serves in the U.S. Army.

Garland’s call to service runs through the family. His father, cousins, uncle and now his son, all served or currently serve. 

“I pray for my son every day,” said Garland. 

Nov. 11, 1911, after World War I, was named Armistice Day for veterans. It lives on 114 years later under a different name.

“I officially proclaim that November 11th is Veterans Day for Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse,” said Syracuse City Mayor Ben Walsh.

Garland’s pride in serving his country started at a young age and is ongoing.

“My motivation to serve hasn’t changed because at my age, you have to remember when I was raised, it wasn’t like propaganda, you were raised wanting to. We were dressed up in little white and blue outfits, and we learned very patriotic songs,” Garland said.

Courtesy of Charles Garland

Charles Garland as a child holding an American flag, year unknown.

607,728 veterans live in Central New York as of 2023, according to the Housing Assistance Council. Most of those veterans served in the Vietnam War.

Garland’s story is just one of millions across the United States of America that show the dedication and honor to the country that goes beyond wearing the uniform.

“I would like to see every young person given the opportunity to serve because [of] the opportunities that are there,” said Garland.