On November 11th, New York City held its annual Veterans Day parade, also known as the Veterans Day Parade. This year’s parade was particularly significant as it coincided with the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Despite the biting cold with the temperature hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the parade still attracted tens of thousands of people along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, waving American flags and paying tribute to the veterans.
The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to the armistice that took effect on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918, symbolizing the cessation of hostilities and the arrival of peace. In 1919, the United States first commemorated this day as Armistice Day and officially designated it as a federal holiday in 1938, later expanding it to honor all veterans, past and present, as Veterans Day.
This year’s parade not only continued the tradition but also paid tribute to the military heritage of the United States. The organizer, the United War Veterans Council, stated that this year’s parade featured over 280 groups, approximately 20,000 participants, and 25 floats. In addition to active-duty and veteran members of the armed forces, there were also youth cadet corps, school bands, vintage military vehicles, and various civilian volunteer organizations.
The three grand marshals of this year’s parade represented the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of the United States. They were Clinton Romesha, a retired Army sergeant and Afghanistan War hero who was awarded the Medal of Honor; Stephen Peck, a retired Navy Marine and advocate for homeless veterans; and Sunita “Suni” Williams, a NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain who recently returned from the International Space Station and participated in the Boeing Starliner mission.
The organizer, retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mark Otto, said, “These three grand marshals not only exemplify outstanding military service but also continue to serve the community after retirement, embodying the highest respect for our 250-year heritage.”
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams personally attended the parade to pay tribute to the veterans. Representatives from the New York Chinese American Veterans Association and the Chinese American Association of New York also participated in the parade, holding flags and saluting the spectators along the route, adding bright and prominent Chinese faces to the procession.
Among the crowd were citizens proud of their family members’ service. Mr. Stanley Moy, a Chinese American, who was interviewed on-site, shared that his late father, Tommy Moy, had served in World War II. He said, “I am here today to honor my father and to greet my friends from the New York Chinese American Veterans Association.”
Another elderly gentleman, Framed Di Bacco, drove a custom-made classic car in the parade. The car bore a banner at the back that read, “In memory of Vincent Joseph Di Bacco, U.S. Navy, who was killed in action in the Battle of Midway on June 6, 1942.” He told the reporter, “My brother rests in the deep sea, never returning home. I drive this car in the parade to commemorate him and all the sacrifices made by soldiers.”
Amidst the strong winds on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, children waved their flags alongside veterans, singing the national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Some shed tears, while others smiled and took photos. This century-old tradition commemorates not only the end of wars but also serves as a gratitude event that bridges generations, reminding people of the preciousness of peace.