New York, NY (May 21, 2019) — Each year, IAVA members, partners and supporters gather in celebration of New York City Fleet Week – a seven-day celebration to honor the members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. In the days leading up to Memorial Day, Fleet Week welcomes thousands of service members for an inspiring week of events in the heart of New York City.

Starting at 7:30am on Wednesday, May 22nd, at Classic Car Club Manhattan, the 2019 IAVA Rides & Tides Breakfast will bring together veteran leaders across politics, media and advocacy for the Fleet Week Parade of Ships.  “The Parade of Ships is an opportunity to see some of our nation’s finest cruise along the Hudson River,” said IAVA CEO, Jeremy Butler.  “It’s an awe-inspiring military display that serves as a catalyst to an incredible week for service members visiting New York City, many of whom are visiting for the very first time.”

During this annual spectacle, Navy and Coast Guard ships ceremoniously pass the Statue of Liberty and make their way up the Hudson River to dock sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to kick off New York City Fleet Week. The week will be filled with many exciting festivities ahead of Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance for the military and veteran community meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In recognition of the 35 military service members lost in overseas conflicts in the past year and the countless lives lost in sacrifice to our country, IAVA is encouraging Americans to pledge a full minute of silence at 3PM local time on Memorial Day. #GoSilent creates a shared, nationwide experience of memorialization and an opportunity to break from the weekend’s casual celebrations to pay respects to the men and women whose individual sacrifices should be honored.

Participants can access IAVA’s  #GoSilent Social Media Kit  for content to post across social media.