The ceremony, inaugurated in 1902, is the city’s largest and most solemn. It honors the memory of all those who have served our country, as well as the spirit of Memorial Day as a national ritual of reflection, remembrance, and celebration.
A stirring concert by the United States Coast Guard band starts off the event at 10am, and the formal ceremony commences at 10:30 with a procession led by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Veteran Corps of Artillery, and the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums.
This year’s observance will focus on “The Return.” It recognizes the immense sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, and signifies our support of them and their families in the adjustment to civilian life. Admiral Daniel A. Neptun, Commanding the First Coast Guard District, will deliver the keynote address, and Ms. Justine Cabulong, an Afghan veteran, will speak on the meaning of “The Return.”
As always, the heart of the day will be the presentation of memorial wreaths by twenty civic, heritage, and veteran’s organizations, including the Navy League, Jewish War Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, and the Old Guard of the City of New York. For the past four years Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has also attended, spoken about the meaning of the day, and presented a wreath on behalf of the city.
The ceremonies conclude around 11:45 with the retiring of the colors, and a medley of military and patriotic anthems by the Coast Guard band.