Call it the Big Apple or the city that never sleeps. This Memorial Day weekend, New York City proved that it is a proud patriotic city. The city welcomed thousands of sailors, marines and Coast Guardsmen docked at Pier 88 along the Hudson River for Fleet Week, an annual tradition since 1984.
For a few days, it wasn’t unusual to see a random person at a crosswalk say “thank you” to a man or woman in uniform. Some civilians brought their right hands to their foreheads to offer an unofficial salute to acknowledge the unselfishness and sacrifice of the person passing them along the crowded sidewalk. Some New Yorkers insisted on treating a marine to a cold beer or picking up the tab for a sailor’s hot dog at a baseball game.
Sunday morning, mass was held at the famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral – right in the heart of midtown Manhattan. As usual, the priests lined-up preparing for the procession, and the faithful – along with the tourists – poured into the church and filled the wooden pews. Some came to worship, some to gawk.
But this Sunday morning, instead of the cross leading the procession down the grand aisle, it was polished and poised men and women wearing a sea of pressed white, blue and tan uniforms that entered the grandeur of the cathedral first. As members of the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard proceeded down the aisle to their reserved seats in the front of the church, they walked by hundreds – likely thousands – of people from all over the country and the world. When the first uniforms were halfway down the aisle, a few faint sounds of clapping came from the front left of the church. Then, as if on cue, every person in the church spontaneously stood-up, and they applauded intensely showing their admiration and appreciation. As their hands came together, the sound bounced off the soaring cathedral ceiling and reverberated through the stone arches, filling the every corner of the church with more than just noise – but with a powerful presence. They brought their hands together as they watched every single service man and woman walk down the long aisle and take their seats.
For those of us who had the honor of walking down that majestic center aisle – some of us as guests of loved ones who are currently serving – it was a truly awesome experience, one that is unforgettable. It was a powerful reminder of who those men and women are serving – and what they are defending and upholding every day they proudly wear our country’s uniforms.
As mass began, the priest paused to acknowledge the phenomenon that had just taken place, mainly to ensure that those listening to the service on satellite radio would also be able to experience the moment. But more importantly, he addressed why military service should be revered inside a landmark house of worship and upheld by the faithful. He thanked each and every one of the men and women for promoting peace across the world and giving unselfishly of their lives – sometimes even giving the greatest sacrifice.
As the mass ended, the choir and organ led the congregation in a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Much like the end of a wedding, the guests of honor were led out of the church, pew by pew, with a general and admiral leading the way. As we recessed, it was impossible not to look right into the eyes of proud Americans from around the country – as well as guests from other countries – many of whom were videotaping or photographing the sailors, marines and Coast Guardsmen. As service members exited the church, spontaneous applause once again erupted, putting the crowing cap on a memorable service.
Outside the church, as the priest shook hands and thanked the troops for their service, passers-by along Fifth Avenue approached the uniformed heroes to thank them personally for the freedoms we all enjoy. Some people had personal stories to share. Some asked to take a photo with service members. Others quickly offered an anonymous “thank you” and kept walking.
As this Memorial Day fades into history and the majestic Navy ships head back to sea, may the people of New York City inspire all of us to pause and extend our own personal salute to the brave men and women in uniform.
Rebecca M. Spicer lives in Virginia and is married to Lt. Cmdr. Sean Spicer.