TROY – While Memorial Day typically serves as a somber reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who served in the U.S. military, levity could still be found in moments of reflection.

“How many people like grilled hot dogs,” asked former Legion Commander Pat McLaughlin during his keynote address. “Just raise your hands. I know that seems strange, but this just gives us an example of what our freedom is all about. In North Korea, Kim Jong-un has made it illegal to own or to cook a hot dog, or a brat, or anything that resembles a hot dog. So, eat a hot dog and go to jail. That is their law, absolutely, it’s crazy.”

McLaughlin reminded everyone Memorial Day is designed to honor the sacrifice so many made, defending those very basic freedoms.

“It started with the Revolutionary War, when men and women, they came together in a common cause, and that was to build liberties and freedoms that we take and hold dear today,” he said.

Current Legion Commander Mike Bath reinforced the solemnity of the service in his opening remarks.

“This moment is sacred with the almost invisible presence of those who have gone before,” he said. “We come today to honor the memory of those who offered life and service for God and country. Because of them, our lives are free. Because of them, our nation lives. Because of them, our nation is blessed.”

Following the laying of ceremonial wreaths at the respective monuments of past conflicts, the names of local residents whose names are engraved on those monuments were read. After each name, a bell was rung.

McLaughlin also explained why the bell would be rung one final time without a name read.

“There are a lot of guys that I’ve come in contact with since getting out of the service that will never have their names on any monument or any plaque. But they were killed in Korea and Vietnam just as sure as you put a bullet in their head,” he said. “Those are the guys that were exposed to Agent Orange and have died without any fanfare, without any names on the monuments.”

And after the final note of TAPS sounded, McLaughlin had another piece of advice for the crowd.

“You know, when you think back to the Memorial Day celebration in 2025, you go home, you light your grills and you enjoy a grilled hot dog,” he said. “Seems simple enough, doesn’t it?”