NYC In Focus

The solemn yet deeply respectful atmosphere of a Memorial Day event in New York City on Monday, May 26th, 2025, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring sacrifices made by generations of American soldiers. This poignant journey through the city’s memorials was thoughtfully organized and led by the Memorial Day Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to fostering remembrance and honoring the sacrifices of American veterans. Participants were privileged to bear witness to the profound respect and remembrance shared by all involved.

The city was just stirring, sunlight beginning to slice between the skyscrapers, as a 55-passenger bus idled at 638 Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. The mission for the day, meticulously orchestrated by the Memorial Day Foundation (memorialdayfoundation.org), was not one of sightseeing in the traditional sense, but a solemn and deeply meaningful pilgrimage. The bus soon departed, embarking on a journey to touch history and honor sacrifice at some of New York City’s most sacred veteran memorials. The event highlighted the Foundation’s vital work in keeping memory alive.

The Memorial Day Foundation: A Commitment to Remembrance

The Memorial Day Foundation, located at 33 Orient Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, is deeply committed to honoring those who have served. Their website, https://www.memorialdayfoundation.org/, provides valuable resources and initiatives to ensure the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten. They actively organize commemorative events, promote historical awareness, and support organizations that provide vital services to the veteran community. This annual Memorial Day journey is a cornerstone of their dedication to keeping the legacy of our heroes alive.

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A Journey of Remembrance: Visiting NYC’s Memorials

The day’s event, orchestrated by the Memorial Day Foundation, took participants on a powerful journey through some of New York City’s most significant memorials, each holding profound historical and emotional weight.

The America’s Response Monument (The “Horse Soldier Memorial”)

The journey through the city’s bustling streets led to the first poignant destination near Ground Zero: the America’s Response Monument, universally known as the “Horse Soldier Memorial.” Standing sentinel on Greenwich Street, this striking bronze sculpture is a powerful and relatively recent tribute. It commemorates the extraordinary bravery of U.S. Army Special Forces who responded to the September 11th attacks by riding on horseback into Afghanistan – a unique and compelling testament to adaptability and courage in modern warfare.

The silence among our group here was profound; it’s one thing to read about such valor, it’s another to stand before its tangible representation, just a stone’s throw from where the Twin Towers once stood. The chiseled determination on the soldier’s face and the powerful stance of his equine companion spoke volumes of unwavering resolve in the face of unimaginable adversity. For the veterans among us, the connection was visibly personal, a quiet nod to a generation still grappling with the echoes of recent conflicts.

The World War II Memorial

Continuing the pilgrimage, the group arrived at the iconic World War II Memorial on Battery Place. This majestic monument stands as a powerful tribute to the generation that stood against tyranny and secured freedom for many across the globe. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the memorial evoke a profound sense of awe and gratitude for the immense sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in human history.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A deeply moving experience awaited at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 55 Water Street. This powerful wall, inscribed with the names of over 58,000 Americans who were killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War, serves as a stark and deeply personal reminder of a challenging chapter in American history. Many paused to touch names, leaving flowers or flags in silent tribute, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence and profound respect.

The Eternal Light Memorial

The route then brought the group to the Eternal Light Memorial on Broadway, a place of lasting remembrance and hope. This memorial, with its radiating light, symbolizes the everlasting memory of those who have fallen in service. It provided a moment for reflection on the enduring spirit of those who sacrificed everything to uphold our nation’s ideals.

The American Legion

Concluding the day’s journey, the bus returned to the Catholic War Veterans Hall Post 689 at 638 Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. This hall serves as a vital community hub and base of operations, not only for the local Catholic War Veterans but also as a key gathering point for events like this Memorial Day pilgrimage. It’s a place where veterans find camaraderie, support, and a dedicated space to continue their mission of service and remembrance. The hall embodies the ongoing spirit of unity among those who have served.

Supporting the Memorial Day Foundation’s Mission

The Memorial Day Foundation relies on the support of individuals and organizations to continue its vital work in honoring our veterans and promoting remembrance. You can contribute by:

• Donating: Visit their website at https://www.memorialdayfoundation.org/donate/ to make a contribution that will help them continue their vital work.
• Volunteering: Explore volunteer opportunities on their website if you’re able to dedicate your time to their cause.
• Spreading Awareness: Share information about their initiatives and the importance of honoring our veterans within your own networks.

The event organized by the Memorial Day Foundation was a truly powerful experience, underscoring the importance of remembering those who have served and the ongoing need to support our veterans and their families.

View More Photos from the Memorial Day Journey
Photography: Pamela Goldstein / NYCinFocus.com
Photography: Howard Weiss / NYCinFocus.com