The annual Canarsie Memorial Day Parade celebrated the fallen on on May 25.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Residents, veterans and local officials gathered in Canarsie on Monday for the neighborhood’s annual Memorial Day Parade, honoring fallen service members and celebrating community tradition.
Presented by the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, Inc., the parade ran from 10 a.m. to noon, and drew crowds despite rainy weather. The parade marched through the neighborhood, beginning at the Holy Family parking lot and concluding at the American Legion.
Following the march was a ceremony at the Canarsie Cemetery, where electeds and organizers reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of remembrance.
A family watches as the Canarsie Memorial Day Parade goes by.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
“It is great to see the people coming out to the borders every year while we have this solemn celebration,” said Assembly Member Jamie Williams. “And it is a celebration because we’re celebrating the freedoms that we enjoy today.”
Williams thanked residents and participants for continuing the longstanding tradition.
“So to everyone who’s participated, everyone who will continue to participate, everyone who continues to come together with Canarsie as one community,” she said.
The annual Canarsie Memorial Day Parade celebrated service, sacrifice and community tradition.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud also addressed attendees, expressing gratitude to the cemetery organization that hosts part of the annual ceremony.
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud spoke at the Canarsie Memorial Day Parade.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
“We appreciate you,” Persaud said. “We want to say thank you to the Canarsie Cemetery Organization for allowing us to participate within the cemetery every year.”
The pol encouraged attendees to visit a monument located inside the cemetery that honors veterans and fallen service members.
“Many of you may not know that there’s a monument in the cemetery, that when you get a chance, you should stop by and visit it,” she said. “It’s an honor.”
A taps player wipes away tears.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Ray Levin, director of operations for the event, also thanked attendees, veterans and local leaders for participating in the ceremony and continuing the tradition of remembrance.
“I honor everyone who has served, and thank you when we stand in solidarity with everyone,” he said. “We hope that we continue to celebrate.”
A man puts his hand over his heart as the American Flag is walked by his house.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell 
Memorial Day in Canarsie brought together veterans, elected officials and neighbors in remembrance.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell