With the sound of horns, a parade of military vessels, each lined with hundreds of service men and women, traveled up the Hudson River. The parade kicked off the 36th annual Fleet Week New York at the Intrepid Museum.

“This is a super important weekend for us to say the quintessential thank you to all of you,” said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, president of the Intrepid Museum, during a welcoming ceremony.

Fleet Week is when Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard ships visit New York City. The Intrepid Museum, in partnership with the USO, hosts numerous free events throughout the week, including public ship tours, a free screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" on the museum’s flight deck and a special Memorial Day ceremony.

“Hudson River ships coming in behind us, I am ecstatic for the people of New York to once again get to interface, see and engage with our sailors and Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and learn about what we do,” said Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

“We live our lives every day and because it's not right in front of us, we might not think about it, but these are men and women who are living very different lives for us, and it would be really special to think about them and thank them in person, added Susan Marenoff-Zausner.

Spectators of all ages gathered along the piers to catch a glimpse of the arriving ships. Visitor Jesse Musoff shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’ve been here one year before, and I like it a lot.”

Lori Cushman, president of the Justamere Foundation, was equally impressed: “It’s the first time I’ve seen Fleet Week from the Intrepid, and it is magnificent. It is so spectacular, I’m overwhelmed with the beauty of it all.”

Fleet Week New York continues until May 27. There are many opportunities for the public to see and learn about the military. For more information on events and schedules, visit the Intrepid Museum’s website.