Memorial Day is an iconic American holiday that pays tribute to American soldiers who have died in the nation’s wars. Falling on the last Monday in May, the three-day weekend is also considered the unofficial start of the summer season, and you’ll find there are plenty of events happening this weekend to mark the occasion.Of course, no holiday is complete without a parade, and New York has one in each borough for Memorial Day. Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade is the longest running – 2015 will be its 148th year, making it one of the oldest in the nation!If parades aren’t your thing or if you need to relax after the weekend’s louder festivities, head to the beautiful Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on Monday evening for the New York Philharmonic’s Annual Free Memorial Day Concert.
Having a Sex and the City flashback? Why is the entire city dotted with sailors and marines? Memorial Day coincides with Fleet Week, when the Navy and Marine Corps are honored in New York. You’ll find events taking place throughout the city, including free ship tours, military demonstrations, and musical performances by sailors and marines.Would you rather escape the city and catch a tan? For a Memorial Day event that is geared towards celebrating the beginning of summer, Governors Island is throwing the Governors Island Alliance Family Festival on Sunday with live music, games, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Though a little further afield, one of our favorite day trips to the beach is to Westport, Connecticut. The express train will get you there in 45 minutes, and you can easily take a cab to the community beach. Driving will take you a little longer, but it also makes it easier to visit some of the fantastic restaurants in the area. If you’d rather go shopping, Main Street Westport will help you with some nice retail therapy.Enjoy the start of summer!