New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung held a Memorial Day observance on Friday.
Photo courtesy of New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung’s office
On May 22, New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung hosted the 5th Annual Flushing Memorial Day Observance in Kissena Park. Held in front of the Korean War Memorial located by Rose Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, this is a tradition held by Ung since 2022, where she honors the fallen men and women who served for this country.
“Memorial Day is not just another holiday or the unofficial start of summer,” said Ung. “It is a solemn occasion and a time to pause, reflect, and honor the brave men and women who laid down their lives to protect the freedoms we are so fortunate to enjoy every day. Their sacrifice made possible the opportunities and liberties that define our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure their service is never forgotten.”
Community leaders in attendance include Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and U.S. Representative Grace Meng. Veteran groups in attendance include Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Korean War Veterans Association of Greater New York; and Korean Marine Corps Veterans New York.
New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung held a Memorial Day observance on Friday.
New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung held a Memorial Day observance on Friday.Photo courtesy of New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung’s office
Families, community members, and elected officials came together to honor those who died in service, including a presentation of colors by the Francis Lewis High School JROTC, a patriotic musical performance by the Youth Orchestra, and an invocation by Ravi Sivachariar of the Hindu Temple Society of America.
“I deeply thank Councilmember Ung for holding this special ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “All those who are willing to serve our country in uniform deserve our respect and admiration for their bravery and courage. That’s why I am so grateful to all of them, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung held a Memorial Day observance on Friday.Photo courtesy of New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung’s office
New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung held a Memorial Day observance on Friday.Photo courtesy of New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung’s office
To conclude the event, members of the Boy Scouts Troop 253 shared flowers to guests, to be placed around the memorial.
In addition to the main event, Deputy Leader Ung recognized the winners of the Memorial Day Essay and Poetry contest. Each winner received a City Council certificate after reading their pieces. Winners include Alyssa Mei Uch, 1st Grader at PS 244; T.J. Quan, 2nd Grader at PS 242; Iona Bae, 3rd Grader at PS 32; Tahmid Laskar, 4th Grader at PS 20; and Ivana Tai, 5th Grader at PS 163.
“How we choose to remember and respect those sacrifices speaks volumes about who we are as a nation and as a community,” said Ung. “I am grateful to the veterans, students, families, and neighbors who continue to gather together for this important tradition and help make this ceremony such a meaningful tribute.”