Over the past weekend, people all over the nation paid homage to America's fallen heroes.

Veterans and community members from all over the Hudson Valley spent Memorial Day honoring the ultimate sacrifice of so many who served.

Among those honoring their memory is Joe Masi, who served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1967.

“I think it builds character," Masi said of his service. "It stabilized me. It gave me a purpose and I knew that you have to take things very seriously.”

Masi has also served for more than two decades as a local Alderman; something he was encouraged to do as a result of his service and wanting to be a political representative for vets in his community.

“Veterans have a responsibility, and they know it, to help out," he said. "And I think more people need to get involved in politics, that are there for the right reason to actually help their communities. So that's why I would like to see more veterans get involved."

A study by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that nearly 1,000 veterans are serving in their state houses around the country. That number accounts for over 12% of all state legislators nationwide. 

Masi says that even amid partisan disagreements on the national level, the sacrifice of those who served and the ongoing fight for more resources for those who return home can’t be forgotten.

“So they deserve to have more funding and to help them to please help those veterans that are back that unfortunately may not be as well off as like someone like myself that need those services," he said.