Although Memorial Day has become a time to indulge in a long weekend as we’re swiftly coming into summer, it’s also important to remember what the day actually commemorates. Other than the many parties and activities happening between the 24th – 27th, preparations for the city’s annual parades honoring the brave veterans are currently taking place.
The two biggest parades; Little Neck-Douglaston and Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade will be based in Queens and Brooklyn. The LND parade is actually regarded as the largest of its kind in the nation and has been a Memorial Day staple since 1927.
Kicking off at 2pm on Monday, the route runs along Northern Boulevard from Jayson Avenue to 245th Street. The BMDP led by war veterans will be marching for the 152nd year, starting from 11am at 78th street and Third Avenue.
The parade includes: marchers from the NYPD and FDNY, performances from Brooklyn high-school bands and ends with a 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton.
There are a few other smaller parades taking place around the 5 boroughs, these are: Maspeth Memorial Day Parade, College Point Citizens For Memorial Day Parade and Staten Island Memorial Day Parade.
In regards to the busiest times to plan your weekend trip out of the city, some might have noticed increased congestion and traffic since yesterday.
The experienced folk know just how hectic the roads out of the city get around public holidays, and Memorial Day is no different. According to a recent INRIX press release, “drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24 in the late afternoon as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers”, so if you have the opportunity to schedule your departure before the peak between 4:45pm-6:45pm, definitely do so!
Public transportation will also be jam packed, so best to prepare for a few inevitable delays and in some instances travel time might be double the usual duration of the trip. If you’re planning on staying in the city this Memorial Day weekend, check out our suggestions for some of the funnest events around NYC.
Source: Secretnyc
