The New York City Veterans Day Parade – the nation’s largest commemoration of veteran service – marched up Fifth Avenue in celebration of its 105th year, with nearly 300 marching and vehicle units and more than 20,000 participants from across America on Monday.
The parade, produced each year by the United War Veterans Council, featured participants from every service branch of the military and included thousands of veterans, military members, service organizations, and youth cadets, as well as marching bands, floats, motorcycles, and vintage vehicles.
“For 105 years, the New York City Veterans Day Parade has honored the courageous men and women who fight to protect our way of life here in the United States,” said Mark Otto, President and Executive Director of the United War Veterans Council. “This Veterans Day, we’re renewing our commitment to celebrating their bravery, their service, and their patriotism.”
The featured service for this year’s parade was the United States Marine Corps, which celebrated its 249th birthday on Nov. 10. The parade was led by Grand Marshal and Marine veteran Dakota Meyer, the second-youngest recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor.
“It’s a privilege to represent Marines and veterans of all generations who return to our communities, carrying with them the values of unity, hope, and resilience,” said Meyer. “Together, we stand as a testament to the strength that binds us as a nation and inspires a future grounded in service and unity.”
Marine veteran Capt. Mercedes Elias served as an honorary marshal of the parade.
“As a proud Marine veteran, I look forward to this celebration every year as a chance to stand with my fellow service members, reflect on our service, and continue this 105-year-old tradition, and I look forward to marching again in next year’s parade,” she said.
Honorary marshal John Escalante served for three decades in the Marine Corps.
“Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that brave men and women make every day to protect our rights, our freedoms, and our country, and I am grateful to everyone who came out today to celebrate our nation’s veterans,” he said.
The parade was established in 1919 following the armistice agreement that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.