During a solemn ceremony at the Intrepid Museum on Manhattan's far west side Monday, officials, veterans, and members of the public gathered to honor fallen service members from both past and present wars.
Mayor de Blasio was joined by General John F. Kelly, the commander of the United States Southern Command. The pair laid four commemorative wreaths in the Hudson River, while men and women in uniform unfurled a giant 100 foot flag.
The focus was on those who didn't make it home from wars both past and present — including Kelly's son, a Marine killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
The general told the crowd the pain of losing a loved one to war, never goes away.
"The families of the fallen need no reminder. They remember everyday," he said.
The Mayor said the day was a reminder of the responsibility the city has to veterans who do return home.
"In this city, we know that we have to honor our veterans every day, not just with ceremonies but with the kind of actions that change their lives," said de Blasio. "That’s why this year – this year in New York City we will answer the president’s call to action, and we will end veteran homelessness in New York City."
He said the city would work with employers across the private, non-profit, and public sectors to "redouble" the city's efforts to find work for veterans.
He also said the city was working to expand mental health resources for veterans.
According to the city, there are currently 960 homeless veterans.
