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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
AFP\/Getty Images <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Freedom doesnt come cheap. Its fought for and earned, he said. <\/p>\n
The average citizen enjoys freedom, Stone said. Why? Because of our military who fought for this. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Heroes who paid for our freedom<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. Continue reading