MENANDS, N.Y. -- The annual President Chester A. Arthur Memorial Service is held at the Albany Rural Cemetery. The 21st President of the United States is buried in the Arthur family plot at the cemetery.

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin spoke at the service and others placed a wreath on Arthur's grave. People there say it's important to remember those who fought for our freedom.

"In honoring Chester Arthur today we're honoring a president, we're honoring a civil war general, we're also honoring all soldiers from the civil war period, from all period before and after that. We have to remember that Memorial Day is meant to remember the sacrifices of the soldiers and those on the home front who sacrificed so much for our country,” said Mark Bodnar, local civil war historian.

The event was hosted by The Albany County Joint Veterans Council and the Marine Corps League.