Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, just another day off. Immerse yourself in the meaning of the moment. Washington, D.C. and New York City are a couple of places you can do precisely that – quick trips to two centers of commemoration.
For a lot of Americans, Sunday’s National Memorial Day Concert is the event that sets the tone for the weekend. The baton drops at 8 p.m. May 27, on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Such is the setting for an American tradition. Hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, the concert is a gathering of all-stars: Colin Powell, Daughtry, Natalie Cole, Trace Adkins, Ellen Burstyn and Vietnam vet Dennis Franz. Performing the music is the National Symphony Orchestra. On television, the show can be shattering. In person, the impact is multiplied.
Monday, May 28 the National Memorial Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue. Last year, a quarter of a million folks showed up to honor those who’ve served and sacrificed. The parade brings together marching bands, active duty and retired military units, youth groups and hundreds of veterans. These are the men and women of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm as well as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Up the East Coast, New York City hosts Fleet Week. The majestic Parade of Ships is set for Wednesday, May 23. Then, the Navy and Coast Guard open up their vessels to those who pay for them: the American people. Visitations start Thursday, May 24 and the ships remain accessible through Thursday, May 29. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. are the times.
Three ships will be moored in Manhattan at Piers 92 and 90: the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, the destroyer USS Roosevelt, and the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. You can tour other ships at State Island’s Homeport Pier and over in Brooklyn, at Piers 7 and 8.
The men and women who serve in our armed forces aren’t abstractions. They’re real. Meet them this Memorial Day and tell them thanks for what they do. It matters.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: brittanylynae)
