Hard to believe that Memorial Day is only 11 days from now, given that we were just shivering in the cold. But such is springtime in the Big Apple — beautiful and brief!

Many people regard Memorial Day as nothing more than a day off from work and the unofficial kick-off to the summer season. But it is actually a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States. Whatever your politics, we hope you’ll spend at least part of the day reflecting on those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives defending the United States.

That said, there are countless activities and events happening on Memorial Day in NYC, and you would be remiss if you didn’t try to get out and enjoy at least some of them. Here are some of our favorites during the Memorial Day Celebration in New York City.

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum kicks off their “Summer Salute to Heroes” May 24-28. Click here for details.

The NY Philharmonic will play a free concert at St. John the Divine at 8 p.m. Tickets are first-come, first-served and available the day of the performance at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Tickets will be handed out at 6:00PM.

The Historic Green-Wood Cemetery Memorial Day Concert in Brooklyn features the ISO Symphonic Band and works by some of the cemetery’s permanent residents—including Fred Ebb, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and Leonard Bernstein. Details here.

The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, billed as the largest Memorial Day Parade in the nation, takes place on Monday in Queens at 2PM. Click here for details.

Bear in mind that schools, banks and post offices are closed on Memorial Day, but most restaurants, stores and attractions are open.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Memorial Day!