Published: October 08, 2014 FDNY Memorial Day Firefighter Regina Wilson sings the National Anthem at FDNY Memorial Day. View Gallery | View Video One of the most solemn events on the FDNY calendar, Memorial Day, was held at the Firefighter’s Monument in Riverside Park on Oct. 8. The event remembered four members who died in the last year, including Lt. Gordon (Matt) Ambelas, Battalion 28, who died in the line of duty on July 5; EMS Lt. Walter Nelson, Station 31; Firefighter John Monteverde, Engine 159; and EMT Luis de Peña, Station 13. “We gather with pride at what these heroes have done for this city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “They put everyone else first, and we will always remember them.” Nearly 8,000 off-duty FDNY members attended the 107th annual ceremony. “The tradition of gathering here each year on our Memorial Day is so important to the very fabric of this Department,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “And because we continue to honor this tradition, it will survive long after we’re gone.” Lt. Ambelas, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY, died from injuries sustained at a two-alarm fire in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His family received an FDNY flag, Medal of Valor and Medal of Supreme Sacrifice during the ceremony. “These four men did their jobs with courage, commitment and grace,” Chief of Department Edward Kilduff said. “And we owe it to them to be mindful of our commitment to service each and every day.”