Veterans Day commemorated aboard USS Intrepid
NEW YORK -- Veterans Day was commemorated aboard the USS Intrepid on Saturday.
There was a serenade for the servicemen and women at the Intrepid Museum at Pier 86 on Manhattan's West Side.
"It is a living legend. It is more than steel. It is hope. It is aspiration. It is the future. And that is because of our former crew members," Intrepid Museum Co-Chairman Bruce Mosler said.
Some of them were in attendance Saturday, along with other service members.
"Today in a world full of great tension, conflict, discrimination and hate, we gather together to pause, to reflect and offer our gratitude ... Thank you for your courage, your dedication and your selflessness. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed," Rear Admiral Wesley R. McCall said.
With a moment of silence, a wreath was thrown overboard to honor those who have served, including two former Intrepid servicemen who recently passed away. The ship was in service from 1943-1974.
"We got everything from '58 to ... up to '73 here. We got generations reflected here, and this is special," said James Hendon, commissioner of the New York City Department of Veteran's Services.
Navy leaders also acknowledged those currently on active duty stationed all over the world.
"Today, tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed, defending us overseas and domestically ... We gather together to pause, to reflect and offer our gratitude to so many who have volunteered to serve this greatest country," McCall said.
In its 31 years of service, the Intrepid was home for 55,000 crew members. Today, the living memorial sees more than 1 million visitors each year.
Museum entrance to the Intrepid is free for all veterans and active duty military members.