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Monday was a day to salute the men and women in uniform, and those who have died while wearing it.

"Countless New Yorkers have answered the call to duty to serve overseas as soldiers and sailors and many have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

But in addition to the somber services, many chose to celebrate the holiday in a spirited, upbeat way.

Bloomberg marched in parades in Queens, while Governor David Paterson and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand took part in a Memorial Day service onboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

It's the first time since 2006 that Memorial Day ceremonies have taken place on the carrier, which just underwent a multi-million dollar makeover.

"With thousands of brave men and women returning home from service, it's critical that the Veterans Administration Facilities have the tools and resources they need to help our current and past veterans as well as tackle the challenges facing new separated personnel," said Gillibrand.

"That rich history pays suitable homage to the soldiers, the sailors, the airmen, the Coast Guard, and the Marines who have stood for those same values they rightly connect with the values that founded this country and their service sews the thread of the soul of our country," said Paterson.

The parade routes contained a few reminders that it is an election year.

But the mayor's chief political opponent, City Comptroller Bill Thompson, insisted that Monday was not about politics.

"It's not a day of high campaigning. It's a day of remembering. It's a day of gratitude," he said.

"Today is the day that we honor those who have lost their lives giving service to our country," said Paterson.

President Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and became the first president to send a wreath to a memorial honoring African-Americans who fought for the Union. He also sent one to a monument for Confederate soldiers

"Those who rest in these fields fought in every American war," said the president. "They overthrew an empire and gave birth to revolution. They strained to hold a young union together. They rolled back the creeping tide of tyranny and stood post through a long twilight struggle and they took on the terror and extremism that threatens our world's stability."

For many New Yorkers, the holiday is more than just a day off work. They say it's a chance to honor and remember our service men and women.

"We pray for them, that they come back safe and sound," said one parade-goer.

"We want to remember those who served, particularly those who never made it back," said another.

"We're here to show our support and our love for our country," said a third.

Along the parade route, there was certainly no shortage of either.