On May 25th, the Chinese American Veterans Association in New York City held the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Representatives from veterans, elected officials, officials from the New York Economic and Cultural Office, sons of veterans, the Chinese American Women Veterans Association, community leaders, and residents gathered in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. They marched along Mott Street to Lt. Kimlau Square, where they paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed for the country and could not return home through laying wreaths, moments of silence, and playing Taps.
The event was hosted by the secretary of the Veterans Association, Mei Benli. He stated that Memorial Day is a solemn day, not only for remembering the fallen but also to remind society of the cost of freedom. “Today we gather here to pay the highest respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. They, with courage, dedication, and selflessness, safeguarded the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mei said.
The Chairman of the Veterans Association, Huang Jianzhong, pointed out that the heroes being commemorated today, just like everyone else, were ordinary people with families, dreams, and unfinished life plans. But when the country needed them, they chose to step forward. “Freedom, peace, and everything we have today are not taken for granted but built upon the dedication and sacrifices of countless individuals,” Huang emphasized. He stated that commemoration is not just about remembering the past but also reminding future generations to cherish and protect the freedom obtained through sacrifices.
Former Chairman of the Veterans Association, Wu Yuantian, stressed that Memorial Day should not be just a commemoration but should also carry on the spirit of service. He urged the younger generation to inherit the responsibility and tradition, continue to serve the community, and safeguard the democratic system.
Deputy Consul General Zhang Lixian from the New York Economic and Cultural Office participated in the event. She praised the courage, dedication, and service spirit of Chinese American veterans, reflecting their love for the country and the shared mission of protecting freedom. She believed that their spirit transcends time and space and is worthy of being passed on to future generations.
The president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Wu Ruixian, stated that Memorial Day is not only about commemorating names but also the courage and dedication shown by those names. He emphasized that the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association has been actively involved in community and veteran-related activities for many years, hoping to continue supporting the veteran community through practical actions, while also passing on patriotic spirit and community responsibility.
Several elected officials were present at the ceremony. State Senator Chen Xueli, who served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, recalled his lost comrades, friends, brothers, and sisters. He shared a story of a comrade who was never found after a military helicopter was shot down during a nighttime mission, highlighting the sacrifices made by these soldiers for the country.
Every Memorial Day, Senator Chen Xueli remembers all those who sacrificed their lives for the country. He emphasized that although these soldiers have left, they have not truly disappeared. Other elected officials in attendance included State Assemblyman Li Rong’en and City Councilman Martin, who reminded people to value the hard-earned values of democracy and freedom and expressed respect and gratitude to all veterans and their families.
During the ceremony, veterans from different periods of service stood up to receive tributes, including those from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other eras. As Taps played, the entire assembly stood solemnly in silence, expressing the deepest respect to those soldiers who could not return home.