Some Hudson Valley residents tried to make the best of Memorial Day weekend Saturday after cloudy skies and rain dampened holiday plans for many.

But on this long holiday weekend that honors our nation's fallen military heroes, residents said the weekend was a time for family and friends - especially after the pandemic prevented get-togethers last year.

One group, that included a Vietnam War veteran, gathered at a picnic area along the Hudson River.

Kevin Collins says as the American flag waves proudly, he remebers our country's fallen military heroes.

At the Harvest on Hudson restaurant, a packed crowd took shelter from the dark clouds and rain to commemorate Memorial Day weekend indoors.

"We haven't been together for so long. So now we can get together. We all got our shots," said Ellanie Tenesaca, of Sleepy Hollow. So we're just going to have a little get-together. It's not so big, It's going to be like 10 of us, so we're excited about that."