Ceremonies And Parades Mark Memorial Day Across Tri-State Area, Nation
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Memorial Day ceremonies and parades were held across the Tri-State area and the nation Monday to honor America's fallen heroes.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in observance of the holiday.
"On Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who answered the call and paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom, as well as the ideals that this state and this nation were founded upon," Cuomo said in a statement. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and endless gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve."
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also issued a statement, saying "we pause to honor the American heroes in our military who courageously and selflessly defend our country and our freedom."
"Throughout history, the brave men and women of our armed forces have served as a constant symbol of patriotism for all Americans," he said. "Words alone cannot fully express our gratitude for our veterans and their families who continually support them."
Mayor Bill de Blasio took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for those who were lost and have served in wars and conflicts from WWII to the present.
"Today we remember our neighbors who answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," de Blasio said in a statement. "Their strength, their bravery and their patriotism are an inspiration to us all. Their sacrifice is a reminder that we are always at our best when we stand united as a community."
Vincent Bochicchio was among those on board the retired battleship for the ceremony. He's a Vietnam veteran who lost six fellow soldiers during the war.
"You don't like to talk about things like that," he told CBS2's Janelle Burrell. "I've got it in my mind and my heart. I never forget them."
It was a day to reflect on those who have passed and those who continue to fight and defend this nation's freedom.
"The sacrifice they made was a great sacrifice," said Shawn Nnadi, of Queens Village.
"I get emotional, I get teary eyed cause I want to remember them the way they were," said World War II veteran George Pittel.
Brandon Jones was at the ceremony and said it was an honor to spend the day at the Intrepid.
"I have family who died in the military and I have family who died on 9/11, so for me, it's personal to come here and give my thanks," he told 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon.
Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly of the U.S. Southern Command said the U.S. will continue to be the land of the free and the home of the brave "so long as we never run out of tough young Americans who are willing to look beyond their own self-interest and comfortable lives and go into the darkest and most dangerous places on this planet."
The annual wreath laying ceremony at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Riverside Park attracted a big crowd Monday morning, including dozens of service members and veterans.
"It's important to remember those that never came back and while this is a beautiful, solemn occasion, my thoughts go back to those soldiers that I knew who never got to play poker and drink beer on the boats coming home," said World War II veteran Milton Norman.
"I think as long as I can still move around, still know where I am, I'll come out and take part," World War II veteran Alexander Edwards told WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola.
It was a somber celebration at the monument as honored speakers made sure this day of remembrance remained focused on the fallen.
"Those that gave their tomorrows for our today. Those that were willing to give everything for us and the families that they left behind," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
"I hope that in the years ahead we will be able to return Memorial Day to this kind of ceremony, to a day of remembrance, a day of reflection," said NY State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
During the ceremony, 23 veterans as well as hertiage and patriotic organizations laid wreaths at the monument.
This year's program also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Veterans of that war told CBS2's Elise Finch they too want to make sure the focus of this holiday remains on the ones who never made it home.
"People have to be informed. I don't think people know as much about Memorial Day as they should," said Levant Isreal, Marines WWII Veteran and Bronx resident.
"I think a lot of people confuse it with Veterans Day," said Alexander Edwards, Marines WWII Veteran and Bronx resident.
The five boroughs hosted many more events throughout the day, including several parades honoring our heroes.
In Rockland County, the parade in Nyack stepped off in the center of the village and ended at Memorial Park. Many residents lined the parade route to watch the marching bands, men and women in uniform and firefighters who took part.
"It's something to do, celebrate the veterans that fought for our country and remember them always," one resident said.
A ceremony was also held in Memorial Park. The park was created to remember the Nyack men who were killed in action in World War I.
In Ridgewood, New Jersey, American Legion Post 35 led a memorial service with veterans who have served in all major conflicts, including World War II, CBS2's Matt Kozar reported.
Residents of all ages came together to honor them in ceremony and prayer.
At Veterans Memorial Field, families participated in the 40th Annual Ridgewood Run.
"I see lots of people, everybody's out, everybody's excited," said one woman.
"The whole family ran. These guys rant the 5K, I did the 10K," said one man.
Some raced for fun and exercise, but others ran for charity.
Ridgewood firefighter Brendan Corcoran said he broke a Guinness record for running the fastest mile in firefighter gear, which weighed around 25 pounds, Kozar reported.
He ran to raise awareness about cancer rates among firefighters.
"There's a much higher incidence of cancer in the firefighter community due to the exposures that we have," Corcoran said.
President Barack Obama saluted Americans who died in battle Monday, saying the country must "never stop trying to fully repay them'' for their sacrifices and noting the first Memorial Day in 14 years without U.S. forces involved in a major ground war.
Speaking under sunny skies to some 5,000 people on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, Obama called the burial place "more than a final resting place for fallen heroes.''
"It is a reflection of America itself. A reflection of our history, the wars we've waged for democracy, the peace we've laid to preserve it,'' he said. "It is a reflection of our diversity, of people from different races and creeds who fought for the ideals that bind us as one nation.''
In the Afghan capital Kabul, General John Campbell, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, placed a wreath at a monument, remembering American military personnel killed in action over the last 14 years.
Campbell said, "We also remember the more than 1,100 coalition fallen who have also lost their lives fighting for a common cause to build a more stable, secure Afghanistan, as we also protect our homelands.''
Back in New York, the Empire State Building was lit in the colors of the day: red, white and blue -- a shining Memorial Day tribute to the men and women who died serving and defending this country, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.
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