Veterans Honored at NYC's Riverside Park during Memorial Day Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Watts, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Norfolk

June 1, 2010 - NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen paused during Fleet Week New York 2010 to gather at Riverside Park in Manhattan to remember service members who have fallen in defense of the nation during a Memorial Day observance ceremony May 31.

"It is so important for people to understand what sacrifices were made by those who fought for this country and by those who serve now," said Lucille Posner, a former second class petty officer who served as part of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in World War II. "People need to recognize that we are at war again now and the troops need our support."

As New York was the first state to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, Riverside Park provided a fitting backdrop for the event.

In 1900, then-Gov. Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone for The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Riverside Park in recognition of those who served and gave their lives to preserve the Union. Today, the monument continues to serve as a daily reminder of those sacrifices.

"Those of us who serve today stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us," said Rear Adm. Mark Boensel, commander, Navy Mid-Atlantic Region. "We treasure the fact that we have their examples of honor, courage and commitment to guide us as we carry out their great work on behalf of the American people."

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the 23rd Fleet Week New York through June 2.

Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984, providing the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area the opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see the capabilities of today's maritime services.