Photo By Chief Petty Officer Julie Matyascik | 160530-N-YC845-012 NEW YORK (May 30, 2016) - The U.S. Army 99th Readiness Support...... read more read more
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie Matyascik, USS Bataan Public Affairs
NEW YORK -- Civilians, active duty and veterans, representing wars and conflicts from World War II to present, gathered to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Intrepid Museum’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, May 30.
A crowd of more than 500 huddled under the main pier tent to hear keynote speaker Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson who asked those in attendance to remember the fallen.
“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers,” said Richardson, quoting John F. Kennedy. “This (quote) suggests a way to best honor those Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have given their all – who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so we can be free.”
Richardson went on to equate being next near the former USS Intrepid as no better place to gather to celebrate the memory of our fellow Americans that died in combat.
“Intrepid is entirely fitting for this solemn ceremony,” he said. “Intrepid herself is a veteran of 31 years of service in both peace and war … Intrepid’s mission now is to educate the public and inspire our youth. Not just today, but every day – year round. It is accurate and fair to say, on Intrepid, every day is Memorial Day.”
Kenneth Fisher, Co-Chairman of the Intrepid Museum, vowed to continue efforts of ensuring veterans are honored in respectful ways and never forget those who came after and those who serve today.
“It is up to us to ensure the challenges of our veterans remain in the forefront,” he said. “Challenges of our veterans seem to vanish as news of their plight moves off the front pages of our newspapers and the nightly news. If we forget, it will be a bigger tragedy than even the loss of those who have fallen. Make the solemn vow that this nation will never, ever forget.”
A salute to America’s veterans was honored with a ceremonial wreath-laying, the unfurling of a 100 foot-long American flag where members of all services, active, reserve and retired were invited to hold the flag in memory of fallen service members. The ceremony concluded with a three-volley rifle salute from the 99th Regional Support Command Firing Squad, and “Taps,” performed by Navy Band Northeast.
Fleet Week New York, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
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: | 05.30.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2016 14:50 |
| Story ID: | 199564 |
| Location: | NY, US |
| Web Views: | 360 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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