Many Paying Their Respects At Memorial Day Events Around New York City
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Many in New York are honoring those who died serving our country this Memorial Day.
CBS2's Alex Denis reported veterans were paying their respects on the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum during the annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Sprinkled in the crowd were active-duty service members in the city for Fleet Week. They find it poignant that this day of remembrance falls on their visit to the city. They hope to live up to their fallen comrades and their legacies.
"I appreciate the past service members who did the same for us, so I just believe in carrying on the tradition and doing the best I can," one service member said.
For many, honoring the fallen will not end with the conclusion of today's events.
"I plan on visiting the 9/11 Memorial today and it means so much to know there are people who were willing to pay what we consider the ultimate sacrifice," Boatswains Mate Seaman Anthony Hyland said.
1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon reported Mayor Bill de Blasio tossed one of the memorial wreaths off the pier to honor those who died serving.
"Freedom we enjoy here and around the world, they in so many ways made possible," de Blasio said.
The Intrepid saw combat in World War II and veterans unfurled a 100-foot flag and laid the ceremonial wreath Monday morning.
In Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, people were taking part in the oldest Memorial Day parade in the nation.
CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported 3,000 marchers were in the 149th Kings County Memorial Day Parade.
"Brings tears to my eyes sometimes on Memorial Day," Korean War veteran Prisco DeAngelis said. "I think about all those who gave their lives.
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard lined 3rd Avenue by starting at 75th Street for the annual procession to John Paul Jones Park.
The excited spectators were undeterred by the prospect of rainy weather.
"It honors the soldiers that were killed," Misha Schloss, an 8-year-old Boy Scout, said.
"The least we can do is think of them once a year, and we do," World War II Navy veteran Jerome Cohen said.
The parade dates back to 1867.
In Chappaqua, New York, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took part in the town's Memorial Day parade.
WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reports the former secretary of state even signed the cast for a young girl who broke her wrist.
Former President Bill Clinton and Gov. Andrew Cuomo also marched in the parade.
During his final Memorial Day as commander in chief, President Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.