This isn’t just Memorial Day weekend – we’re also in the middle of “Fleet Week.”

It’s a chance for New York City to honor the Navy and Marines, but it also gives those fighting men and women a chance for some much-deserved relaxation.

Members of the Marine Corps and Navy were doing a different kind of battle on Saturday, fighting it out for fun in a tug-of-war before hundreds of screaming fans who cheered them on and thanked them for their service.

“The beautiful things is people here love us so much, and they truly appreciate us,” USMC Sgt. David Donaldson said.

It’s a special time for our armed forces here in New York – the chance to decompress and enjoy some time off, as well as the admiration of the masses for their dedication and sacrifice.

The attending members of our armed forces also get to experience all of the great things the Big Apple has to offer.

But for all the fun and frolic, those men and women never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day itself.

“I think about serving for America, and the people we’ve lost,” USMC Sgt. Keith Crews said. “You know, I’m an Iraq vet, and I respect what people have done before me – and what they’ll do after me.”

And now, during “Fleet Week,” New York gets to say “thank you.”

Fleet Week events continue through Tuesday.

(Source: WCBSTV)