Memorial Day is that one day a year where we all come together to honor those who served our nation and gave their lives to protect it. It’s a day where we remember the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. New York City, as a symbol of freedom around the globe, always stands up and salutes those who defend our nation and our values.
We have over 210,000 veterans calling our city home, and as a city that was attacked on 9/11, we have a special responsibility to honor and support our veterans. It’s not just about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also about helping those who came back home. No veteran or military family should have to go through it alone.
To kick off “Veterans and Service Members’ Week” in conjunction with national Military Appreciation Month, we’ve announced a series of initiatives to assist New York City veterans in accessing job opportunities, affordable housing, and homeownership. One of the key initiatives is the push to pass the Cold War Veterans Property Tax, which would provide property tax relief to veterans who served honorably during peacetime. Currently, New York City is the only major tax jurisdiction in the state that hasn’t adopted this exemption, and we’re determined to change that. This tax relief could mean a lot to the 11,000 eligible Cold War-era veteran homeowners, putting almost $1,000 back into their pockets.
Another focus is on helping veterans and their families own a home. We understand the importance of having a place to call your own, a place where you can build your life and achieve the American Dream. Through partnerships with organizations like the Hebrew Loan Society and the State of New York Mortgage Agency, we’re expanding interest-free loans to make affordable housing more accessible to veterans.
We’re also streamlining the housing application process for veterans with disabilities, making it easier for them to access affordable housing. By certifying disability status directly through the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, we’re ensuring that veterans with combat wounds have the support they deserve.
In addition to housing initiatives, we’re focused on helping veterans secure good-paying jobs and careers that can support their families. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve provided personalized support to nearly 100 veterans navigating complex transitions, including those impacted by federal workforce reductions. It’s important to us that a veteran’s uniform doesn’t disqualify them from a career, and through one-on-one support, job matching, and skills translation, we’re helping veterans find the jobs they deserve.
To support these programs, we’re allocating over $1 million to the Department of Veterans’ Services as part of our “Best Budget Ever.” This investment will provide a stronger safety net for our veterans and their families, ensuring that they have the support they need.
One of the highlights of our efforts is the unveiling of the working design concept for New York City’s post-9/11 fallen servicemember memorial, “Flames of Honor.” This memorial will be the first of its kind in a major city, paying tribute to post-9/11 servicemembers. It will be a sacred space for memory, mourning, education, and quiet reflection along the water’s edge in Whitestone, Queens, a fitting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lastly, we’re excited to announce that next year, we’ll be hosting a ticker tape parade to honor our post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. The “Homecoming of Heroes” parade on July 6, 2026, will give our veterans the homecoming they deserve and the celebration they’ve earned. It’s a small token of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
In conclusion, Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have given everything to defend our freedoms. We must continue to support our veterans and military families, ensuring that they have the resources they need to thrive. New York City is proud to stand with our veterans, today and every day.
