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Dead Navy SEAL Honored in Moment of Silence at Intrepid Memorial Day Event

By Gwynne Hogan | May 29, 2017 2:13pm
 Veterans and civilians gathered at the Intrepid Museum to remember members of the armed services who gave their lives serving the United States. 
Memorial Day Photos
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HELLS KITCHEN — The death of a Navy SEAL whose parachute failed to deploy during a Fleet Week ceremony in Jersey City was fresh on the minds of those gathered at the Intrepid Museum on Monday morning to honor fallen servicemen and women on Memorial Day.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking before a crowd of active military members as well as veterans including two men who fought in Pearl Harbor, said his thoughts went out to the family of the SEAL who died, Remington "Remi" Peters.

"This has been a fleet week that started... with such appreciation, such celebration, such joy, but unfortunately as we know, as Fleet Week ends, it ends in deep, deep sorrow," de Blasio, speaking aboard the historic naval vessel the Intrepid as part of its an annual Memorial Day celebration, said before observing a moment of silence.

Leap Frogs officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday morning.

Captain Jourden Moger, the Deputy Commander Chaplain Navy's Mid-Atlantic region, called the deceased soldier a "true hero."

"He gave his life. No one took it from him," Moger said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our newest fallen hero and his loved ones."

The Navy SEAL was a member of an elite parachute team called the Leap Frogs, performing as part of a Fleet Week celebration at Liberty State Park.

►READ MORE: Navy SEAL Dies After Parachute Malfunctions Over Hudson at Fleet Week Event

De Blasio also commemorated the death of 9/11 FDNY first responder Ray Pfeifer who fought for better healthcare for his fellow rescue workers before losing his own battle to cancer.

Members of the armed services unfurled a massive American Flag and tossed four floral wreaths off the side of the Intrepid into the East River in memory of those who gave their lives in service of the United States.