NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — The annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, providing space for solemn reflection in honor of those who lost their lives in the United States Armed Forces.
“Memorial Day is a time to appreciate the present, reflect on the past and renew our commitment to the future of America,” said Admiral Daryl Caudel, Commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “It is a day of remembrance for those who gave their all in service to our country while donning the cloth of our nation.”
In attendance among military personnel, veterans and New Yorkers was Mayor Eric Adams, who took to the podium and encouraged the crowd to feel gratitude for their country in a patriotic speech.
“No one is lining up to leave America. People are lining up to come to America. Because America represents the greatest thing that you could have in a country,” the mayor said.
Adams also took a moment to reflect on the sacrifice made by his Uncle Joe, who died at the age of 19 while serving his country.
“I remember like yesterday, getting a knock on the door, telling us that Joe was not coming home,” Adams said. “He believed in this country. He didn’t agree with everything—we don’t have to be perfect, we have to be dedicated.”
Navy fighter jets that were supposed to fly over the end of the ceremony weren’t able to traverse the bad holiday weather, and the ceremony itself was moved inside to avoid rain, but annual traditions like the 21 gun salute and laying wreaths in memory of the fallen persevered through the storm.
1010 WINS/WCBS 880 reporter Kristie Keleshian spoke with Aubrey Reid, who recently retired from the Armed Forces. He had a message for anyone who knows someone who served.
“Remember them. Because they gave everything of their full measures of their youth and time. And that’s all that you’re supposed to be doing,” Reid said.
While Memorial Day’s meaning is based in remembrance and honor of those who lost their lives in the Armed Forces, the Intrepid Museum’s executive vice president Dave Winters said he approves of family traditions like holiday barbeques, because it all connects to an American principle of freedom.
“I’m actually happy that people can do that because the freedom that our Armed Forces has defended has allowed us to enjoy these days as Americans,” Winters said.