Tri-State area commemorates Memorial Day with parades, ceremonies
NEW YORK (WABC) -- As the nation is on the cusp of its 250th anniversary, the Intrepid Museum opened its doors Monday morning to veterans and members of the armed forces for a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony.
The event honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Monday's event at Pier 86, near West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, brought together military leaders and city officials, from City Council Speaker Julie Menin to Mayor Mamdani, who concluded the ceremony with remarks.
The program included a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen, the playing of taps and a three-volley rifle salute.
Some Memorial Day events across the city were canceled due to weather.
However, the nation's largest Memorial Day parade in Queens went on at 2 p.m.
On Long Island, in Merrick, first responders and elected officials are among those gathered for a moment of silence.
Nassau County fire and police sirens were sounding and church bells ringing, to remind residents to pause and honor those who gave their lives in service to the country.
In Westchester County, the annual Chappaqua Memorial Day Parade was held and it included a former commander-in-chief.
Former President Bill Clinton urged everyone to remember the men and women, soldiers, sailors and airmen currently serving overseas, to keep them from the same fate of those we honor Monday.
"I'm hoping that we will make a part of our Memorial Day celebration the attempt to minimize the loss of lives by Americans and others," former President Clinton said.
"I live a half mile from Bill and Hillary, and we love seeing them every year. We love that they come out in a small town" said Jordan Cooper, a Chappaqua resident.
"Since we moved here, we always sort of follow the Clinton's down the parade line and we always marvel at the access we have to our former president," said Debra Reiner, a Chappaqua resident.
Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state and first lady, was under the weather and unable to attend.
In New Jersey, the Archdiocese of Newark held masses at several cemeteries, both to honor fallen heroes and celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Joseph Cardinal Tobin was among the clergy celebrating mass.
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