Happy Memorial Day!

Last week I went with a friend over to the American Veterans Memorial Pier, which is located in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and situated between the Verrazano Bridge and New York Harbor, with the borough of Manhattan in the distance. I was there to observe the 25th annual "Fleet Week New York" which celebrates our nation's sea services. This year, the seven-day event coincides with the Bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812 and will host more than 6,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team in addition to coalition ships from around the world.

Unfortunately, we were late to see most of the tall ships arriving in the harbor, but we did arrive in time to see the USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) arrive through the misty waters under the Verrazano Bridge.

She began to open her sails once she approached the harbor -- a magnificent sight!

Overhead, there was a parade of light aircraft and military helicopters passing by.

One by one, ships from all around the world arrived under the bridge and into the harbor. This was the entire order for the parade of sail: Fireboat Harvey, Juan Sebastian De Elcano (Spain), KRI Dewaruci (Indonesia), La Belle Poule (France), Etoile (France), Cisne Branco (Brazil), Buque Escuela Arm Cuauhtemoc (Mexico), ARC Gloria (Columbia), BAE Guyas (Ecuador), USCGC Eagle (WIX 327), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mitscher (DDG 57), HMCS Iroquois (Canada), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), JS Shirane (Japan), USCGC Seneca (WMCE 906), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), FNS Pohjanmaa (Finland), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), RFA Argus (United Kingdom), USMMA T/V Liberator, USCGC Willow (WLB 202), USS Wasp (LPD 1).

Soon, we saw the USS Roosevelt (DDG 80)...

.... with all its sailors lining up along the front, back and sides of the ship.

It was truly an exhilarating sight to watch ship after ship arrive and we were entertained by a few Navy Blue Angels flyovers.

It almost looked like some of the ships would have a hard time sailing under the bridge...

...but they made it!

I loved seeing this red tugboat pass by on its way

..........to escort an aircraft carrier into the harbor.

A few navy Jets roared overheard ...notice the fiery dragon decal on the tail of the plane on top!

The most thrilling sight to hear and see were the US Navy Blue Angels who passed over numerous times in perfect formation.

At one point they were close enough that I could actually see their pilots and tail numbers through my camera lens!

As the morning progressed the isle of Manhattan in the distance shimmered with a watercolor glow due to the heavy misty fog in the air.

It was really an unusual sight to see, almost mystical.

I zoomed in with my long distance lens to get this shot of the Wasp aircraft carrier passes by the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

It was an inspirational sight to see!

On this Memorial Day, and every day,  may we remember to honor the brave men and women of the military who have sacrificed their lives to help preserve our nation's freedom!