Memorial Day 2025 Events Across the Tri-State Area
On May 26, 2025, the Tri-State Area commemorated Memorial Day with parades, memorial ceremonies, and celebrations honoring those who served in the military. The day coincided with the conclusion of Fleet Week in New York City and followed two thrilling days of the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach in Long Island, drawing large crowds eager to witness the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds display their aerial prowess.
Intrepid Museum Memorial Day Ceremony
At the Intrepid Museum in Manhattan, the annual Memorial Day ceremony commenced with the unfurling of the American flag at Pier 86. The event featured the laying of ceremonial wreaths in the Hudson River, the evocative playing of “Echo Taps,” and a stirring three-volley rifle salute accompanied by a Navy jet flyover.
Among the attendees was 93-year-old Michael Horvath, a veteran who served aboard the USS Intrepid in 1952. “Through it all, our flag is still here. Our flag is here because of the men and women of our military service,” remarked New York City Mayor Eric Adams during the ceremony.
The Intrepid Museum also offered visitors the chance to engage in military demonstrations from the Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Additionally, a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue exhibition took place at Pier 86, complemented by public ship tours at the Staten Island Homeport Pier, which remained open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
In Brooklyn, the vibrant 158th Memorial Day Parade commenced in Bay Ridge, drawing participation from veterans, their families, and the local community. The parade, a significant local tradition, began at 11 a.m. at Third Avenue and 78th Street and made its way to Marine Avenue and Fourth Avenue. This year’s grand marshal was Major General Kris Belanger of the 99th Readiness Division, who has dedicated over 35 years to military service.
“It is a truly somber day, but it also is a day for us to reflect and be thankful for our freedom,” General Belanger stated. Veterans Lenny Deutsch and Steve Miller echoed the importance of the occasion, with Miller emphasizing, “It’s not a shopping day. It’s a remembrance day,” as the parade concluded with a poignant 21-gun salute honoring fallen soldiers at John Paul Jones Park.
Additional Memorial Day Activities
Various Memorial Day parades and events were hosted across the New York City area, including notable gatherings in Queens, Yonkers, and Freeport. Below is an overview of the main parades:
| Event | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Maspeth Memorial Day Parade | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 69th Street, Maspeth, Queens |
| Forest Hills Memorial Day Weekend Parade | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, Queens |
| Town of Pelham Memorial Day Parade | Monday, 9 a.m. | Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York |
| Staten Island Memorial Day Parade | Monday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Marine Corps League Det. 246, Staten Island |
| Leonard H. Hawkins American Legion Post 156 Memorial Day Parade | Monday, 2:30 p.m. | City Island Avenue, The Bronx |
Each event across the Tri-State Area reflected the solemnity and gratitude inherent in Memorial Day, ensuring that the sacrifices made by service members continue to be honored and remembered.
