ALBANY, N.Y. -- Veterans gathered to honor the men lost during the battle of Iwo Jima. A flag raising ceremony was held in memory of those who fought in the battle.

After the ceremony, Congressman Paul Tonko, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, and other officials spoke about the importance of caring for the veterans who fight for our country.

Albany County has introduced a new program for veterans that gives them property tax exemptions.

"If they serve, they bring their DD form 214 to their assessors where they live and they'll get a break on their taxes for the county, city, and they even get star exemptions too on top of that for the school districts," said County Executive Dan McCoy.

The deadline for eligible property owners is March 1st.