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Retired Navy SEALs, active-duty personnel, first responders and civilians gathered in New York Harbor on Saturday morning for the annual NYC SEAL Swim, an event dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of military heroes. The gathering took place against the iconic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, combining physical endurance challenges with meaningful tributes to those who have given their lives in service to the nation.
Retired SEAL Brad Geary emphasized the core purpose of the event when speaking with Fox News’ Joey Jones. “This is all about honoring our fallen,” Geary said. “Honoring our country, honoring God.” Fellow retired SEALs Bill Brown and Jimmy May participated alongside Geary, each bringing their own perspective on why the tradition matters to the military community.
Brown, who established the NYC SEAL Swim, selected the New York Harbor location deliberately to convey multiple layers of meaning. The Statue of Liberty represents American freedoms and civil liberties, Ellis Island symbolizes the nation’s diversity and the immigrants who built the country, and the Empty Sky Memorial honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
May, a retired SEAL commander, founded Beyond the Brotherhood, the event’s 2026 beneficiary organization, after experiencing profound personal challenges upon leaving military service. Four of his closest friends died by suicide after leaving the teams, an experience that left May feeling isolated and searching for ways to help others in similar circumstances.
Beyond the Brotherhood now serves as a support network for former SEALs, reconnecting them with purpose, community and shared mission after their transition to civilian life. The organization has experienced widespread support from across the United States since its inception.
Families of fallen service members attended Saturday’s event, including Cindy Dietz, whose son Navy SEAL Danny Dietz was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Dietz said participating in the annual swim alongside the SEAL community provides her with profound meaning and connection to her son’s legacy.
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