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CNY Watchfire

Reviving a cherished Central New York tradition honoring veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice

Volunteer to Help Plan 2026

Newly Formed CNY Watchfire Committee Revives CNY Memorial Day Tradition

The Onondaga County Veterans Council proudly announces the creation of the CNY Watchfire Committee, a standing committee dedicated to organizing, planning, and executing the long-revered Central New York Watchfire each Memorial Day weekend.

The Watchfire is a cherished veterans’ tradition, symbolizing remembrance and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans and community members gather around a towering bonfire to honor fallen comrades and those still missing in action, a poignant reminder that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The event was not held in 2025 following the CNY Veterans Recognition Foundation’s decision to step down after serving as caretakers for two years, succeeding the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 103, which had hosted the Watchfire for more than three decades. Due to declining membership, the VVA announced in 2019 that it would no longer be able to lead the event.

“We’ve created this committee to ensure that there’s a permanent home for this important Watchfire tradition in Central New York,” said Tom Blair, Chair of the new CNY Watchfire Committee. “This event means so much to veterans, families, and the broader community. It’s both a time of reflection and a celebration of the freedoms we hold dear.”

The newly formed committee will work closely with veterans’ organizations, community partners, and local leaders to secure a sustainable future for the Watchfire and to identify a permanent site where the event can continue to grow.

For more information about the 2026 Watchfire and how individuals, businesses, and organizations can support this important event, please visit www.cnywatchfire.org.

Tom Blair, Chair CNY Watchfire 2026
[email protected], 315-729-2829 – (mobile)
cnywatchfire.com

CNY Watchfire Committee

Organized under the Onondaga County Veterans Council

Memorial Day Weekend 2026 • Central New York

© 2025 CNY Watchfire Committee. All rights eserved.

Join Our Committee

CNY Watchfire is looking for volunteers! Whether you have time to assist with planning for the 2026 Watchfire to be held during Memorial Day Weekend, or can volunteer to work the event itself, we need your help and service to keep this proud tradition alive. We currently have administrative, marketing, fundraising, operations, security, and committee chair positions available.

  • Questions? Contact Tom Blair at [email protected]

  • CNY Watchfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Committee of the Onondaga County Veterans Council. Our mission is to keep the Watchfire tradition alive and thriving, to provide an outlet for the greater community to ensure their flags receive a proper and dignified retirement, and, most of all, to honor all the brave service members we have lost.

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