New York gave a Big Apple salute to its heroic war dead yesterday, marking Memorial Day with a mix of solemn ceremonies, parades and picnics.

Under bright skies and a scorching sun, residents and tourists found an assortment of ways to say thank you to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Its important to reflect on the people that gave their lives, said Ray Stone, a World War II veteran from Salem, NY, for whom the day marked a reunion of sorts.

Stone, 87, was a guest aboard the West Side-docked USS Intrepid, the ship on which he served and survived a torpedo hit and five kamikaze attacks.

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SOLEMN DUTY: President Obama marks Memorial Day by placing a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Freedom doesnt come cheap. Its fought for and earned, he said.

The average citizen enjoys freedom, Stone said. Why? Because of our military who fought for this.

Mayor Bloomberg marked the day by marching in two parades, where he reminded people that the holiday was about more than beaches and backyard barbecues.

Its a day for the kids to like the bands and eat cotton candy, Bloomberg said before marching in the Whitestone Veterans Memorial Association Service and Parade in Queens.

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Heroes who paid for our freedom