NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – From cookouts and beach outings to parades and ceremonies honoring fallen service members, residents across the Tri-State took advantage of the summer-like weather for an eventful holiday.
At the Intrepid Museum in Midtown, members of all military branches reverently unfurled a 100-foot American flag across the deck. There were silent salutes and hands over hearts.
U.S. Navy Admiral Bill Moran, a native New Yorker, spoke about the importance of honoring service members who made all this possible.
“Today is a solemn occasion as we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who as President Lincoln said at Gettysburg, “gave their last full measure of devotion.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio told those in attendance that there’s one way they could give back to veterans.
“You know what you can do to say ‘Thank you’ – you can hire a veteran,” the mayor said.
1010 WINS’ Juliet Papa found photographer Al Freni was still working the Memorial Day event at the Intrepid, wearing a cap and jacket indicating his service in the Korean War. He was once assigned to take photos of President Eisenhower.
Freni lives in Jackson Heights and doesn’t miss an opportunity to honor those who gave their lives.
“They should be teaching this kind of stuff in school,” he said, adding that he'll keeping teaching through his photographs.
Meanwhile on Long Island, there was little traffic, no crowds and plenty of sunshine at Jones Beach. It was a lot less packed than on Sunday, when thousands turned out for the popular air show.
1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria found Merle sitting in a chair in the sand. She says she was sticking to the beach since the water hasn’t warmed up yet.
“I needed a day just to chill,” she said, soaking up the scene in front of her. “American flags flying.”
“I’m proud my father was a veteran,” he said. “I was raised by the greatest generation.”
Gabriel Ramirez said it’s easy to get caught up in the barbecues and beach chairs but important to remember the members of the military who secured “all this freedom.”
“Just going to the beach and everywhere else was provided to us by all the people out there that fight for us,” he said.