SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- With immigration at the forefront of many people's minds, communities across the nation are celebrating diversity for World Refugee Day.

Several groups in Syracuse hosted a flag raising to honor people from all over the world who have made Central New York their home.

Refugees say they are grateful to be in this country. And want people to realize how hard they fought to be in America.

"At refugee camps, people would get murdered by fellow refugees and other alien individuals. In this community we are losing people. At refugee camps, we drank water from the river. They were unfiltered, dirty and contaminated," said Chol Majok, a South Sudan refugee.

Interfaith will be hosting a World Refugee Day celebration this Saturday, with musical and dance performances, and speakers throughout the day.