NEW YORK — New York City honors the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country this Memorial Day.
From a somber wreath-laying ceremony to a more than a century-old parade, here’s a look at how the city celebrates the holiday.
Check out our list of parades and events in the area.
Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at Intrepid Museum
CBS New York
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is held her annual wreath laying ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. on Manhattan’s West Side.
The patriotic and powerful tribute at Pier 86 honored those who answered the call to serve.
“We’re proud to go there and display the flag, we’re proud to wear the uniform. We’re proud of this country, as we still are,” Mike Hallahan, Aviation Metal Smith 3rd Class on the USS Intrepid, CBS New York said during the ceremony.
“Memorial Day is a time for me to reflect. It is a time to reflect on those who gave the ultimate for our country, for our way of life, for our nation,” said Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces. “I think it’s a time to sow hope. And when you see all the sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen today, remember that we are still the greatest country in the world. We did that because of the ultimate sacrifice of those who went before we gave.”
Mayor Eric Adams was present as four wreaths, representing the branches of the military, were placed in the water.
Memorial Day Parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
CBS New York
Memorial day parades took place in the five boroughs, including the 157th annual parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
It got out at 11 a.m. from 78th Street and 3rd Avenue, led by the NYPD band and members of the 68th Precinct. They were followed by the All-City High School Marching Band, floats from United Military Vets, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, plus dance teams and drum lines.
“It’s personal for me, because my father was in the Second World War. So it’s nice to commemorate them all,” said a spectator along the route.
“I think it’s so important to show respect for the people who give their lives for our freedom,” another audience member added.
“It’s great to come out, see all these different cultures celebrating this Memorial Day together. It’s a good feeling,” said another spectator.
The parade marched about 30 minutes south to Marine Avenue. A memorial service was then planned at John Paul Jones Park, including the flag raising, 21-gun salute and wreath laying.
Dave Carlin
