Crowds gather for parades across Tri-State to honor military members this Memorial Day
FAIR LAWN, New Jersey (WABC) -- There were several events across the Tri-State area on Memorial Day to honor fallen service members and those who have served our country.
The Intrepid Museum held its annual wreath laying ceremony in Manhattan, and in Westchester County there was a parade and wreath laying ceremony in Chappaqua.
In New Jersey, thousands of people lined the streets of Fort Lee to salute veterans and those who lose their lives serving the country.
Crowds also waved American flags and cheered from lawn chairs in Fair Lawn to salute our heroes where the true charm of a small town celebration was on full display.
The town is celebrating its 100th birthday and continuously shows military pride by honoring the local men and women who are serving or have served the country.
The parade brought together friends and family who come out to support the young and old who participate in the big event.
And the rain didn't stop an important tradition along Northern Boulevard right at the Queens-Nassau border.
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is the biggest in the area and stepped off this year under ominous skies. The parade salutes those serving their communities now and honors generations of Americans who sacrificed while serving the country.
"With all the conflict we're seeing in the world, we are often reminded that freedom is not free and they are those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to have the liberties that we enjoy," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
The marching musicians made it work as they always do in keeping with the tradition that shows the area's incredible diversity -- in backgrounds, age and politics.
"I used to come here with my parents as a kid, my father was an elected official, so this is a great parade," said New York Assembly member David Weprin. "It's not a partisan event. It's Democrats and Republicans, all active. They work on this parade all year round."
As soon as the last groups and vehicles stepped off, the downpours began. Everyone kept marching on and waving their flags and completing the mission.
READ MORE: Memorial Day Ceremony held for service members aboard Intrepid
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