Service members marched in the Village of Larchmont Memorial Day Parade as part of Fleet Week New York, May 26.

Sailors attached to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and Marines attached to 2nd Marines Division, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines H&S company joined in support of the annual parade.

"The parade is a wonderful event for everyone to come out, from very young kids to our oldest residents," said Loraine Walsh, the Village of Larchmont's mayor. "It helps the young ones learn what the day is about. It's to show respect and gratitude for the people who have lost their lives in service to their country."

Members of the White Plains unit of the Young Marines accompanied the Sailors and Marines that participated in the parade.

"It was really cool to march with actual Marines and other armed forces," said Young Marines Staff Sgt. Mark Rigano. "It was cool to be able to be a part of the parade and show our support."

The parade allowed both the local public and the service members to show their support and appreciation.

"It was nice to see that they still cheer for us. They still give us their thanks even though we are just doing our jobs," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Daniel Quiroga, attached to Bataan. "It's always nice to have someone else thank you for that."

Following the parade and a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by the Village's Police and Fire Department, the service members were treated to a barbecue at the local American Legion Post #347.

"We love to have the military come down because that's what Memorial Day is all about ... to memorialize our veterans who gave so much and the service members who lay their lives on the line," said Al Bender, commander of Post #347. "This town has so much appreciation for Sailors and Marines. They are our heroes and it's a great opportunity every year to host them here."

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The week-long celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao and Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit http://www.navy.mil/.