Retired Navy SEALS plunge into New York Harbor for patriotic swim honoring service and sacrifice

U.S. Marine veteran Joey Jones reports live from the annual Navy SEAL Swim in Jersey City, New Jersey. The event features swimmers crossing the Hudson River to the Empty Sky Memorial to honor military veterans, first responders, and victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Swimmers share their personal motivations for participating in this historic tribute.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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Against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, Geary joined fellow retired Navy SEALs Bill Brown and Jimmy May to reflect on the mission behind the event, which combines miles of swimming and physical challenges with tributes to those who served and sacrificed.

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“Ellis Island, what does she represent? All the men and women who came to our country for a better life, our nation’s diversity. Let’s talk about Empty Sky Memorial, what does she represent? All the Americans who lost their lives on 9/11,” Brown added.

“We love this country.”

May, a retired SEAL commander who founded Beyond the Brotherhood, the event’s 2026 beneficiary, said the mission for the nonprofit grew out of his own difficult transition from military to civilian life and the loss of four friends to suicide.

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May said the organization has since received an “outpouring of support” from across the country.

Saturday’s gathering brought together veterans, first responders, supporters and families of the fallen.

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“It means so much,” said Cindy Dietz, a Gold Star mom whose son, Navy SEAL Danny Dietz, was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.

“I’ve been here… since Bill started. And to watch the team guys, to be with the team guys means so much to me.”

(*) Full article: https://www.foxnews.com/media/retired-navy-seals-plunge-new-york-harbor-patriotic-swim-honoring-service-sacrifice