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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced plans for the 14th Annual Fleet Week, as well as plans for the 2nd Annual Mayor's Fleet Week Golf Tournament/The Mayor's Golf Cup. This year's Fleet Week, which is scheduled to take place May 23 through May 30, will be the City's largest, with 15 ships from around the world participating. In addition, this year's 2nd Annual Mayor's Fleet Week Golf Tournament/The Mayor's Golf Cup, organized for military personnel in town for Fleet Week, will be sponsored by the PGA TOUR and will take place at the Forest Park and Douglaston Golf Courses, both located in Queens.
"Fleet Week is a wonderful tradition because it gives the people of our City the opportunity to show the members of the Armed Forces how much we appreciate their commitment to the principles of courage, duty and sacrifice," said Mayor Giuliani. "It's a time to honor and remember the brave members of the military, and salute their devotion to duty. New York City is very proud to host the Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen during this weeklong celebration. On behalf of all New Yorkers I want to thank the men and women who now serve, and those who have served, in our country's Armed Forces for their hard work and untiring efforts to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans."
This year marks the 14th Annual Fleet Week celebration hosted by New York City, paying tribute to the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Vessels from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as vessels from foreign nations, will dock in New York Harbor during the week of May 23rd. The vessels' crews and area military personnel will tour the City, and are offered crew parties, as well as activities sponsored by the Intrepid Museum.
Admiral Robert J. Natter, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, said, "All our Sailors love New York, and I know New York loves the Navy! We have always enjoyed a special relationship with this great City and appreciate the warm hospitality the people of New York extend to the Sailors of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. We're looking forward to what promises to be another outstanding Fleet Week."
Deputy Mayor for Community Development and Business Services Rudy Washington said, "All New Yorkers look forward to this annual friendly invasion by our nation's sailors. New York is proud to host this event to show our support and gratitude to the service men and women who serve our country."
Timothy W. Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner, said, "The Buick Classic is
proud to be a partner, along with Mayor Giuliani and the American Veterans Memorial
Committee, in this year's Fleet Week celebrations. We join the Mayor in recognizing
all the men and women who have worn uniforms and those who continue today to
defend our liberty and freedom. We are also
pleased that Mayor Giuliani is hosting a golf event as part of the Fleet Week
activities, and we thank him for the support he has provided to the Buick Classic
and the PGA TOUR."
Cristyne Lategano-Nicholas, President & CEO of NYC & Company, the
City's tourism marketing organization, said, "While New York City is expecting
almost 40 million visitors this year, we are particularly proud that we'll be
welcoming the largest ever contingent of service men and women during this year's
Fleet Week. It means a tremendous amount that, when not busy
serving their countries, these men and women choose to come to New York to enjoy
everything our City has to offer."
The Mayor was joined by Admiral Robert J. Natter, Commander in Chief, U.S.
Atlantic Fleet, Robert Dale Morgan, Vice President, PGA TOUR Championship Management,
and Deputy Mayor for Community Development and Business Services Rudy Washington
for today's announcement.