On November 11, the United States celebrated Veterans Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring retired military personnel who have served in various conflicts since the country’s independence. In anticipation of the holiday, the American Legion Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 in New York, a Chinese-American veteran organization, held a parade in Manhattan’s Chinatown on November 10 to pay tribute to all veterans who have served the United States.
The parade officially commenced at 1 p.m. today, with participants starting from the entrance of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in New York and marching through the streets of Chinatown, culminating at the Chinese-American Veterans’ Memorial Plaza in Kimlau Square. The procession proceeded in an orderly fashion, drawing crowds of spectators along the streets who saluted the marching veterans with solemn reverence.
Several leaders from the Chinese community and political representatives participated in Saturday’s event. Chairman Zhu Chaoran of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in New York, Chairman Liang Hanben of the Eastern United Association, and Deputy Director Zhang Lixian of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York were present to show their support. Additionally, various officials from the state of New York attended, including State Senator Brian Kavanagh, State Assemblywoman Grace Lee, and City Councilman Christopher Marte, all of whom collectively expressed their admiration and gratitude for the dedication of veterans.
This year’s parade and memorial activities once again demonstrated the Chinese-American community’s support for veterans and raised awareness of the significant role that Chinese-Americans have played in American history.