5 Miles. 6 Memorials. 45 Participants. 300 Pounds of Food for New Yorkers in Need.

This Is How the Five Boroughs Honors Memorial Day.

The 2026 Memorial Ruck March. Photo by Karl (Kault Photography)

Yesterday, in the wind and rain, we marched to honor those who are no longer with us and to bring New Yorkers together. Thanks to the support of our military-connected community, we were able to donate 300 pounds of food to our neighbors facing housing insecurity.

Here’s a recap thanks to our partners at CBS News and ABC7NY:

A Special Thank You To Our Speakers

Isra Pananon-Weeks, Vice President | Five Borough Veterans

Michael Matos, President | Five Borough Veterans

Kristen Rouse, Board Member | Five Borough Veterans

MGySgt John Escalante, NYC Chapter Lead | Travis Manion Foundation

Captain Doreen McCarthy, Deputy Commander | USCG Sector New York

Michael Tagariello, NY Chapter Lead | Veterans For All Voters

Joseph Zoleta, Chief Executive Officer | Black 6 Project

Marc Caruso, Educator | 9/11 Memorial & Museum

As you continue to attend events today, always remember why we do so. If we are to continue to grow as a united nation, we must learn from the lessons given to us from those who are no longer with us.

To our Gold Star and White Star families reading this, we are here for you. You are just as much apart of this community as your loved ones who remain with us in spirit, thought and memory.

Wishing you a memorable Memorial Day.

In Service,

The Five Borough Veterans Team