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HORNELL, N.Y. -- Tragedy hit the Hornell community two years ago when they lost one of their own in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Zachary Smith died while serving his country when he was just 19 years old.

His parents continue to mourn his loss. They say they're honoring Zach this Memorial Day by going to a parade and the cemetery.

Zach's mother, Kim Smith, says she'll also place the Gold Star Wreath on the monument on Broadway Street in Hornell. It's a duty she says she carries with a heavy heart.

"It's my duty and I hope that I don't ever have to pass it on to somebody else. My plan is to do it every year to honor Zach and to honor all the fallen so that they're represented and people in the area know what Gold Star families means," Smith said.

Earlier this month, the Smiths started a petition to get the sign outside the Hornell Post Office changed to say the Zachary Smith Post Office. Their petition has more than 5,000 signatures. They plan to go national with their campaign.