Photo By Chief Petty Officer Gina Danals | 160529-N-WE887-152 BROOKLYN, N.Y. (May 29, 2016) - New York State Sen. Velmanette...... read more read more
Story by MC1 (SW) David Wyscaver, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (May 29, 2016) ‒ Brooklyn citizens paid tribute to service members and the borough’s veterans with the Greenpoint Veterans Memorial Parade hosted by American Legion Post 519 and the Brooklyn War Memorial Honors ceremony at Cadman Plaza as part of Fleet Week New York 2016, May 29.
Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsman, veterans and the people of Brooklyn gathered on Leonard Street for the 16th consecutive year to march in honor of those who have previously served. The parade offered an opportunity for current service members to recognize and pay respect to those who have gone before them.
“This is a very patriotic neighborhood and there are a lot of veterans who reside here,” said Rick Kenney, Greenpoint Veterans Memorial Parade founder. “New York is a military city and this parade is our way to pay tribute and appreciate those who have served.”
“It’s great to be out here today and we’re thankful for the invite from the borough of Brooklyn to participate in the parade,” said Lt. Alan Eggemeyer, logistics officer for Carrier Strike Group 12. “It’s an honor to be a part of an event that celebrates all services … past, present and future.”
Service members, distinguished guests, local officials and Brooklyn residents joined together at Cadman Park during a ceremony to commemorate veterans who served during World War II. The event included a performance by Navy Band Northeast, the American Bombshells singers, and the U.S. Air Force Drill Team.
“It’s always very meaningful for me when the band takes part in an event that honors veterans,” said Musician 2nd Class Margaret Smith, clarinet player assigned to Navy Band Northeast. “I think it’s so important to remember where we came from and appreciate the sacrifices that previous generations made.”
Many Brooklyn veterans were on hand to see Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Fort Hamilton Garrison Commander Army Col. Joseph Davidson; Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, and Program Executive Officer Space Systems Rear Adm. Christian Becker; and United War Veterans Council President Dan McSweeney presented a commemorative wreath during an honorary wreath-laying ceremony signifying the bond between those who have served in the past and the service members currently serving.
“It’s a pleasure to be here and pay tribute to the greatest generation that ever lived,” said Senator Martin Golden, Brooklyn’s 22nd Senate District. “Our World War II veterans are the epitome of courage, honor, duty, strength and patriotism. It’s because of you that America is recognized all over the world as a symbol of power and freedom. We are the greatest nation on Earth because we have the greatest military defending our freedoms.”
The granite and limestone Brooklyn War Memorial is dedicated to the more than 300,000 men and women of Brooklyn who served in World War II. Inside the memorial are the names of approximately 11,500 Brooklyn service members who died while serving in World War II. The memorial’s design includes two larger-than-life sized high relief figures, which depict a male warrior on the left and a women with a child on the right to serve as symbols of victory and family. Since 1990, the memorial has been closed to the public and the Cadman Park Conservancy is working to rehabilitate it.
The Greenpoint Veterans Memorial Parade is one of the various events sea service members attended during Fleet Week. FWNY is the city’s celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, and "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc and Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwynpao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2016 16:22 |
| Story ID: | 199469 |
| Location: | NY, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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