I experienced a wonderful Korean War veterans memorial ceremony in Auburn, on Genesee Street.

I think there were close to 1,000 people honoring the veterans, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, July 30.

I was very impressed with the comprehensive and beautiful program that was distributed by the Korean War veterans, the well spoken Korean and American guest speakers, the beautiful Korean and American flag raising ceremonies with their national anthem played by the Auburn Civic Band, the many Korean, Korean-American, and American attendees from Auburn, Syracuse, in state and out of state, the military color guards, the military gun salutes, the Auburn Civic band performances, the Syracuse University Korean Student Association Korean style drumming performance and last but not least, the many engraved names of the honored veterans on the black marble memorials of the Korean War veterans.

It is a beautiful sight.

I hear that the Auburn City Department of Public Works did much of the ground and landscaping preparation, and it is a very nice location to honor our heroes.

If you have time, visit the memorial on Genesee Street, next to the county government building.

I think you will be impressed also.

My daughter Allie, a Korean-American, who attended the ceremony enjoyed the ceremony too, although the sudden military gun salute startled her.

I am proud to be an American, and also proud of our South Korean friends.

Joe Leogrande

Auburn