New Yorkers pay tribute to service members ahead of Memorial Day
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QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Ahead of Memorial Day, service members past and present were honored in Queens on Wednesday.
The ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial Garden in front of Queens Borough Hall. For many, it was an opportunity to remember. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr hosted the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony.
“As we see conflict around the world, we are reminded that freedom isn’t free, that there are those who pay the ultimate sacrifice,” Richards said.
Queens is home to the largest veteran population in New York City, according to the borough president.
During the ceremony, proclamations were also handed out to two veterans who served in World War II. Rosario Agnello from Fresh Meadows turns 100 this July. He took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944.
“It was a great pleasure to serve the United States,” he said. “I didn’t regret one minute of serving in the United States Army.”
Seymour Schwartz, 98, from Briarwood, was also there. He served during the Japanese occupation in 1945.
“I remind you that our men come back every day to make the best of their lives no matter their mental or physical wounds, and I ask that you think of them and make their lives easier. Not just on a day like today but every day,” he said.
Schwartz said he appreciates the support from the community because this was an emotional day.
“There are a lot of things I would like to forget about the past, but a day like today only opens up, not the good things. It opens up the hurt,” Schwartz said.
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