Thousands of spectators gathered along Bay Ridge’s Third Avenue for Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day Parade, described as the nation’s oldest continuously running Memorial Day parade. Veterans, marching bands, community organizations, and labor unions marched through the neighborhood before assembling at John Paul Jones Park for a waterfront memorial service. The ceremony included bagpipes, flag raising, wreath laying by veteran service organizations, a 21-gun salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery, and the playing of Taps. Grand Marshals included Brigadier General Michael J. Deegan and Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope for the Warriors. Ironworkers Local 361 and Operating Engineers Local 14-14B were recognized as deputy grand marshals for long involvement. Despite rain forecasts, attendance remained strong, though slightly lower than the previous year.
"Thousands of spectators lined Bay Ridge's Third Avenue on Monday as Brooklyn's 159th Memorial Day Parade marched through the neighborhood, honoring fallen service members in what organizers say is the nation's oldest continuously running Memorial Day parade."
"Veterans, marching bands, community organizations and labor unions marched through the neighborhood before gathering at John Paul Jones ark for a waterfront memorial service that included "bagpipes, flag raising, wreath laying by veteran service organizations, a 21-gun salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery and the playing of Taps."
""Those two unions have been a part of the Memorial Day Parade for many, many years," Aalbue said. "Unions built this country.""
"Despite forecasts calling for rain throughout the day, spectators still gathered along the parade route in strong numbers, Aalbue said, though turnout was slightly lower than last year's crowd. "The crowd was good along the parade route," he said. "I was satisfied with that.""
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