On November 11, the 107th Annual Veterans Day Parade took place on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, gathering active and retired military personnel, family members, and community organizations to pay tribute to those who have served. This year’s event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Chinese American Veterans Association of New York participated once again, taking the opportunity to honor their fallen comrades while expressing their love and loyalty to the nation.
The parade commenced at 12:30 PM, starting from 26th Street on Fifth Avenue and proceeding northward. According to the United War Veterans Council (UWVC), over 20,000 participants and more than 280 groups took part in the event. Notably, retired Navy Captain and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams served as the Grand Marshal. Spectators lined the streets, waving American flags and cheering as shouts of “USA!” echoed throughout the parade route.
Before the parade, a ceremonial wreath-laying event took place at the “Eternal Light Flagstaff Monument” in Madison Square Park. Attendees included Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Frank Morano, the chair of the City Council’s Veterans Affairs Committee, among other dignitaries.
Phil Wong, a Chinese American city council member representing the 30th district, also participated in the parade. He emphasized the importance of helping younger generations understand the nation’s history and constitution, and to cherish freedom. “Freedom is not free; it is something to be fought for and defended,” he stated.
Each year, the Chinese American Veterans Association of New York joins in the parade. Chairman Huang Jianzong remarked that approximately 22,000 Chinese American soldiers fought during World War II, highlighting their invaluable contributions. “On the battlefield, it doesn’t matter if you are Chinese, white, or black; we are all the same,” he noted. “We are all American soldiers.”
Veteran Lei Guangda shared his reason for attending, which was to honor his comrades who did not return from the war. “There were many exceptional soldiers and airmen, and unfortunately, they never made it home. I feel fortunate to have returned safely.” He echoed President Kennedy’s famous words, saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
The bonds formed during military service extend into retirement. Mimi Wang, who served in the Army for 22 years, volunteers three days a week at the Chinese American Veterans Association (Lt. Kimlau Post 1291) in Chinatown. She recounted her experience of helping a Chinese American Vietnam veteran who had been homeless for 15 years find an apartment in Manhattan, allowing him to have a place to live until his passing. “I was incredibly happy to help a fellow veteran find a place to call home,” she expressed.
Simon Mei, the executive director of the veterans association, reflected on his unforgettable experiences while stationed in Germany and Taiwan, particularly the challenges of standing guard in harsh winters. He conveyed that although military life poses challenges, it also offers young people professional training and education opportunities.
Yue Chaojun, a Hong Kong immigrant who served in the military around 1970, went on to earn a college degree after his service and now works in biomedical research. His two sons have also served in the military. “I am very happy to be an American; this is my country,” he affirmed.
Yue’s wife, Huang Meiyan, originally from Cuba, immigrated to the United States in 1967 and has participated in support activities for military families for many years. “Today, we are here to express our gratitude to all the service members. We have always supported them,” she remarked.
Participating in the parade for the first time, Jamie Sito Yee honored her family’s legacy, which includes two grandfathers who served in WWII, one in Asia and the other in Germany, along with her husband’s current service in the military. A former president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Veterans Association, she expressed that military families support each other through their organizations, stating, “This is like a family.”