BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Brooklyn came together on Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who died serving their country.
The 157th annual Memorial Day Parade and service provided a solemn backdrop for veterans and families to pay their respects.
Retired Vietnam veteran Ralph DiSpirito attended the parade with his family.
"We're here to celebrate the memory of our soldiers," he shared, expressing a hope for "more peace in the world."
Mary Guadagni, another spectator, watched the parade with pride.
"I'm glad they have the parade," she said, acknowledging its status as the longest-running in the United States. "It just means so much to me about the military of all wars, not just the present one."
The day's events included a parade, a memorial service with bagpipes, a flag-raising, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a 21-gun salute.
Grand Marshal Dean Thompson, Commanding General for the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, emphasized the importance of remembrance.
"We cannot forget that past, present, nor future," he declared.
He viewed his role as ceremonial and a solemn duty to ensure the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and their families are never forgotten.
Thompson highlighted the ongoing impact of war on families who have lost loved ones.
"Memorial Day, we're memorializing those that we've lost," he said, "But also, I wanna make sure that we don't forget the gold star families that we have right now."
Vietnam veteran Ralph DiSpirito spoke about the enduring bond between those who served.
He explained that his annual attendance at the Memorial Day events is a testament to "supporting the troops."
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