NEW YORK -- Both the Marine Corps Colors and the National Ensign fly overlooking the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive in New York City with the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges in the background. Southbound motorists receive a close view of the Corps' colors, which is followed by views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and parts of the Financial District.
The 9-and-a-half mile FDR Drive runs along the east side of Manhattan from the Battery to the Triborough Bridge. The flags are posted on the rooftop of Fire Department of New York's Emergency Medical Services Battalion 4, which is just off the FDR Drive at Clinton Street. The former Marines stationed there wanted to motivate any other former Marines in the city.
"We put the flag up for the Marine Corps' birthday last year," said Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Shawn Roe, EMS Bn. 4. "It's stayed up there ever since."
Roe's partner, EMT Joseph McWilliams, is a former Marine. "I'm very happy about it," said McWilliams, who finished four years in the Corps in 1985. "It brings back memories."