Times Square NYC: Writer/Editor P.K. Greenfield on Memorial Day 2019
Fleet Week is usually a celebration in New York City; it’s an impressive gathering with thousands of our enlisted brothers and sisters from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. They all come to New York City during Memorial Day Weekend – many of them hail (and sail) from rural parts of the country and this would be their first time in our energetic, incomparable and remarkable metropolis. Unfortunately, they cannot come this year for reasons we are all very much aware of.
Fleet Week 2017, Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Kearsarge arriving in New York City on the Hudson River
However, we New Yorkers are a resilient, appreciative and respectfully patriotic group of Americans. We will continue to salute and celebrate Memorial Day in honor of all those who have served and continue to serve. While it is very sad to not see these courageous people walking our streets from the Hudson River to every borough, there are many activities taking place online for everyone to wave Old Glory, listen to fife and drum, and join the necessary and humbling march from the safety of our homes and apartments. Fleet Week New York 2020 is going virtual for the first time this year.
Here are several ideas for those who want to celebrate this important weekend and to show some support for our enlisted citizens.
The impressive entrance room at the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West
American Museum of Natural History – the museum’s website has a ton of information about our human condition mixed with prehistoric animals from every species and identifiable group, online tours of the dioramas and stories of people who have populated planet earth since day 1. You will also find videos that cover the museum’s expansive collection of fossils, wild animals as well as out-of-this-galaxy stories from their sister building next door, The Hayden Planetarium. This is a great idea, away from watching cartoons and Disney movies, for parents and children to share and learn together.
Visit the museum here for more details: https://www.amnh.org/
This famous avenue was an Indian trail stemming from upstate New York and Canada
Broadway theaters have been dark for what seems like an eternity. New York City is simply not New York City without the performing arts. You may not be aware of this online website that has high-quality performances from the Great White Way and reaches across the pond to London’s West End and beyond. Broadway HD is a membership website that shows recorded productions of many shows and concerts that have sold-out and captivated theatergoers for many years. You can watch them at your convenience. Famed producer, Cameron Macintosh has been quoted saying, “For major producers on both sides of the Atlantic, the truth is until social distancing doesn’t exist anymore, we can’t even plan to reopen.”
While nothing can replace live performances, this is the next best thing.
Note: There is a subscription fee and it’s well worth every penny with Lincoln’s profile.
Check it out here:
The White House Circa 1976
Take a tour of the people’s home. George Washington chose this area of Pennsylvania Avenue in the District of Columbia as well as its shared title with Georgetown. Every president since John Adams has occupied the current White House, and the rich history of this building trails way beyond the design, fire and reconstruction of shallow walls, wooden nails and fabrication. From the first floor rooms, transformed from their early use as service areas, to the state quarters, the White House is both the home of the President of the United States his family and a museum of American history. This is our home and many look forward to opening it up for tours in person. Until then, we have this virtual option.
Click on this link:
Visit the link below for more information about Fleet Week NYC 2020 and how everyone can participate:
Photo Credits: P.K. Greenfield, Getty Images, Smithsonian Inst.
