Solemn Memorial Day service at Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument on Upper West Side
NEW YORK -- Several Memorial Day events are being held across New York City, including a ceremony at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument on the Upper West Side.
Hundreds of community members showed up to remember and say thank you to those who served and honor those who have fallen.
Anne Hankins reenacted the moment many years ago when her husband Jack Cole returned from service overseas.
"When he came home, this is what it was like," she said, acting out a kiss. "Love, proudness, patriotism."
At 95 years old, Tommy Lopez will never forget his fallen comrades and their service in the Korean War.
"We lost a lot of men in Korea," he said. "Sometimes happiness, sometimes I feel bad because it comes back, the times I was in combat."
"Freedom is not free, so we have to preserve the freedom for our nation as well as the world," said retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. Mimi Wang.
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The historic monument at Riverside Drive and 89th Street is only one of a handful in the city with landmark status. The first stone was laid in 1900.
"Erected in memory of the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union in the Civil War," Calvin Snyder explained.
Speakers included Mayor Eric Adams, local elected officials and service members who took part in a wreath laying ceremony.
"My uncle Joe died in Vietnam. Uncle Joe was under heavy enemy fire when he died. He was 19," Adams said. "I thought about that and it just became so emotional for me when you finally read how your uncle lost his life."
"Blessed event that we're able to truly memorialize what the day is all about. Not a parade, not hotdogs, but just a solemn reminder of what today means," U.S. Navy Commander Peter Galasiano said.
Wreaths are usually laid at the portal of the monument by veterans organizations, active duty reserve and cadet military units. But the monument has deteriorated over time and is now surrounded by a fence.
The mayor earmarked $62 million to restore the landmark, so generations can continue to pay their respects there.
"Soldiers that sacrifices life for us," one child said.
"Memorial Day, it's so important to show the younger generation how much we appreciate our veterans," a mother added.