From Douglaston to Maspeth, College Point to Howard Beach and many areas in between, thousands of people turned out to march in and watch the Memorial Day parades around the borough.
During Memorial Day Weekend, Queens residents came out in droves to the different parades to pay respect for current U.S. military members, veterans and especially for those who lost their lives fighting for the United States of America.
“[This is] our way of giving back and honor those who defend us. It’s their day, and an honor to be a part of it,” said Carolyn Karoff, who has been working on the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade for the past 10 years. “The whole community comes together to honor the veterans.”
Parade watchers lined the streets of the different Queens neighborhoods and cheered on the groups from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the numerous community organizations that marched in the parades.
“It is a celebration; we all come together to honor those who have fallen, honor freedom,” said Candace Wern, who previously served in the Air Force. Wern’s son is an active member of the military currently stationed in Afghanistan, and she is very proud of him.
“Memorial Day should be celebrated every day,” Wern said.
In addition to the military and community organizations, a number of local politicians marched in their respective parades, and many even ventured outside of their districts to participate in parades in other parts of the borough. Many parade watchers enjoyed music from the marching bands while other people spent the holiday at their homes enjoying barbecues with family and friends.
“It’s important that we teach our children and grandchildren, with so many young people at the parades, that Memorial Day is so much more than that,” said City Councilmember David Weprin. “It is a time to remember our veterans and remember our troops and all of those that fought for our freedom.”
New York State Governor David Paterson called for all New Yorkers to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
“We mourn the loss of those brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we give our thanks for those who have returned home to their families and loved ones, and we pray for the safety of those who stand, ever-vigilant, against the threat of tyranny in far-flung and hostile locations around the world,” Paterson said.
The history of Memorial Day has many roots in New York dating back to May of 1856 when Waterloo residents closed their businesses and flew their flags at half-staff in honor of what was known then as Decoration Day.
