New York’s 37th annual Fleet Week celebration kicked off this week with the Parade of Ships on the majestic Hudson River and runs through Tuesday.
It’s a great chance to tour ships or catch free military band concerts in Times Square before honoring our fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
This year’s theme, “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence” is a tribute to sailors and Marines from the past, present and future.
“Fleet Week New York reminds us that behind every uniform is a story — of family, of sacrifice, and of service to something greater than self. As we celebrate 250 years of the Navy and Marine Corps, we are proud to return to a city whose strength and spirit mirror the very heart of our nation,” said Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
The week-long event includes ship tours and a variety of public military demonstrations that only began with Wednesday’s Parade of Ships and the followup flyovers along the Hudson by F-18 Hornet fighters.
Military competitions will take place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86 in Manhattan from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Other attractions:
- Tour the USS New York built with steel salvaged from the World Trade Center after 9/11 at Manhattan Pier 88.
- View US Navy diving demonstrations in Times Square’s 43-44 St. Plaza.
- Watch the Navy Ceremonial Guard perform in Times Square’s Military Island.
- Off Staten Island’s Homeport Pier, observe Coast Guard Search and Rescue demos.
- Attend the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Day Observance at Riverside Drive & 89th Street Monday in Manhattan.
And when you run into sailors or Marines this weekend, take the time to welcome them and thank them for their service.
For 250 years, they’ve protected our prosperity and freedom; you could even buy them a drink.
This story originally appeared on NYPost
