Memorial Day Celebrated with Respect Across the Tri-State Area
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Memorial Day was commemorated throughout the Tri-State Area, culminating in an array of parades and poignant ceremonies. The day also saw the conclusion of the illustrious Fleet Week in New York City, which welcomed numerous visitors to witness the displays of naval prowess.
A Day of Reflection and Honor
This Memorial Day followed an impressive weekend at the FourLeaf Air Show held at Jones Beach in Long Island, where large crowds enjoyed aeronautical performances, notably by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The weather was splendid, allowing many to spend the day on the beach, paying tribute to the nation’s military heroes.
At the historic Intrepid Museum located at Pier 86 in Manhattan, the annual Memorial Day ceremony drew a sizable audience. The event featured the traditional unfurling of the American flag, the laying of ceremonial wreaths into the Hudson River, and a resonant performance of “Echo Taps.” Additionally, attendees enjoyed a three-volley rifle salute followed by a breathtaking flyover by a Navy jet.
Among the honored attendees was 93-year-old Michael Horvath, a veteran who served on the USS Intrepid 70 years ago. He reflected on his service saying, “I was on it in 1952. It was out of commission at the time, and we put it in commission to take it from California, through the canal up to Virginia.” Mayor Eric Adams also spoke, emphasizing the importance of the flag, stating, “Our flag is still here because of the men and women of our military service.”
Community Participation and Honoring the Fallen
The Intrepid Museum opened its doors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the public to engage in various free military demonstrations offered by the Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Visitors witnessed a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration at Pier 86, alongside public ship tours at the Staten Island Homeport Pier.
In Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, locals gathered early to participate in the 158th Memorial Day Parade. Veterans and their families joined community members to reflect on and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This beloved tradition kicked off at 11 a.m. on Third Avenue, concluding at Marine Avenue and Fourth Avenue. Major General Kris Belanger of the 99th Readiness Division served as this year’s grand marshal, sharing the sentiment of the day, “It is a truly somber day, but it also is a day for us to reflect and be thankful for our freedom.”
Veterans Lenny Deutsch and Steve Miller voiced their thoughts on the significance of Memorial Day, with Miller stating, “It’s not a shopping day. It’s a remembrance day,” and Deutsch adding, “It’s a dedication to the people who lost their lives for our country. So it’s meaningful.”
Memorial Day Parades Across the Area
A plethora of parades and ceremonies were held throughout New York City and its northern suburbs. Below is a table listing some of the events that took place:
| Event | Time & Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Maspeth Memorial Day Parade | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday | 69th Street, Maspeth, Queens |
| Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday | Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, Queens |
| Town of Pelham Memorial Day Parade | 9 a.m. Monday | Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY |
| Crestwood Memorial Day Ceremony | 9:15 a.m. Monday | Vermont Terrace, Yonkers, NY |
