This week was supposed to be fleet week, a week-long event with a fleet of ships parading the waterways as a celebration of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. Unfortunately, it has been cancelled for the first time since it began twenty-six years ago...
According to myfoxny.com:
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
The U.S. Navy won't be sending any ships to New York City's
Fleet Week this year because of sequester budget cuts, essentially
canceling the longtime annual event. Instead, local service members from all branches of the military will
participate in locally sponsored Memorial Day weekend events, the Navy
said.
"Fleet Week New York is a tremendous partnership between the people
of New York City and Staten Island and our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard team," said Beth Baker, the director of public affairs for Fleet
Week New York. "It is unfortunate the Sea Services will not be
participating in the 2013 celebration due to our continuing budget
challenges. Over the years, the city and many community agencies have
developed strong partnerships with the sea services affording us an
opportunity to highlight military service over Memorial Day."
The impact to the city's economy could be a loss of about $20 million, according to the Office of Economic Development.
"Fleet Week is a great opportunity to salute the servicemen and women
of our Navy, Marines and Coast Guard who do so much for our country,"
said Evelyn Erskine, a City Hall spokesperson. "We understand the Navy's
budgetary limitations and hope that the Fleet Week tradition can
continue in 2014."
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