Editor's Note: In remembrance of Memorial Day, we invite readers to share their stories with Hamptons.com.

Sag Harbor - Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Jr. shares his memories:

"On May 30, 1868, Memorial Day was first observed. It was inaugurated by the order of General John Logan, who had served his country valiantly during the Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day because Logan ordered that the graves of union and confederate soldiers be decorated with flowers. For too many, Memorial Day has become just another three day weekend or the start of the summer season.

For me Memorial Day will always be inextricably linked with the parade in Sag Harbor and my father, who received the Purple Heart while serving during World War II under General Patton. Part of "the greatest generation," he was an ordinary guy called upon to serve his country in a most extraordinary time when the fate of freedom and liberty were hanging in the balance throughout the world.

Memorial Day gave him the chance to join again with the friends of his youth, put on the uniform of his country, and pay tribute to those who did not return. He loved to tell us the stories of his experiences. Now, as an adult, I can see what an impact it had on his life.

Just as important were the things he didn't say. The look in his eye or his body language would convey that the experience of war was not all glory or adventure.

With the current war on terror, the place, the time and the circumstances may be different, but the sacrifice, the dedication, and the selflessness of those that serve our country is the same as in my father's day. For the first time since World War II, Sag Harbor's sons and daughters have given what Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion."

This Memorial Day, my thoughts will go to Linda Gronlund killed on Flight 93 on 9/11, Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter killed in Iraq on April 22, 2008, and Lieutenant Joe Thienert killed in Afghanistan on June 4, 2010 and of course, to their families. Their names now adorn nature preserves, bridges, highways, and ferry boats in their hometowns as a tangible reminder of a loss we all share. Just as real is the memory of their sacrifice that is emblazoned on the hearts of every one of us that knew them. We will remember them this Memorial Day. We will never forget."

Senator Kenneth LaValle stated "As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, it is our custom and privilege to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country's freedoms. In today's changing society, it is important that this tradition be preserved and that the contributions of these courageous men and women remain a strong influence on the lives of future generations of Americans who will shape our nation's destiny.

This national day of observance originated in the south, after the Civil War, when families began decorating the graves of soldiers with spring flowers. In 1868, after learning of the charity and thoughtfulness of these southern families, then Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John A. Logan, suggested May 30 be dedicated "for the purpose of strewing flowers on the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country."

Since that time, America has stood strong, brave, and free in the face of many serious challenges. This Memorial Day, as we reflect on our country's past and recall the sacrifices made for our freedom, we must also remember our troops serving overseas. We must support their efforts for however long they are called upon to serve.

Our solemn commitment to maintain our nation's principle of liberty for all must be shared by everyone. We must keep the faith of those we honor on this occasion by holding fast to the wise and decent sense of sovereignty left to us by the great founders of our nation and hold onto our hopes and dreams for the future.

As we celebrate this Memorial Day, we stand together in our belief that the supreme sacrifice made by the men and women we honor will never be in vain and that the freedoms for which they fought will always be ours to enjoy.

I believe we are still the hope of all nations. We still hold the beacon of liberty to all people of the world. This is our legacy - let us cherish it always."