Memorial Day Tradition Returns In-Person In Intrepid Museum:'The Moment We've Been Waiting For'

This Memorial Day, the nation honors the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who died for our liberty.

Memorial Day Tradition Returns In-Person In Intrepid Museum:'The Moment We've Been Waiting For'

Events marking the event returned across the Tri-State Area, after many traditions were put on hold due to the pandemic.

This year, veterans and their families stated that they were glad to be there in person.

Special guests, including active service people, were encouraged at a reduced capacity. The event wasn't available to the general public but was streamed online.

Throughout the last 15 weeks, officials state Armed Forces assisted fight a new enemy in COVID-19.

Mayor Bill de Blasio joined officials to get involved in the traditional service -- unfurling the 100-foot flag and placing four ceremonial wreaths.

CBS2's Natalie Duddridge met one veteran that served to the Intrepid for three years during its last installation until it was decommissioned in 1974.

"When I had been on board, this ship only got back in Vietnam, and they sent us up into the Arctic Circle to join a NATO task force to look for Soviet submarines, because that was during the Cold War, early 70s," Bob Cassara told Duddridge.

That is the World Series for us veterans," stated Gregory Williams, member of the MU Beta Phi army fraternity. "For us now, to be in a position to actually come outside, New York is opening back up, this is the moment we've been waiting for nearly annually."

The Intrepid Museum is back open to the general public at 25% capacity.