The Veterans Day Parade honors the men and women who served and are serving in our United States Armed Forces.
The Parade is produced by the United War Veterans Council. They ask that politics be left out of it. Totally agree. It’s just a great day to be American.
Many Latins serve with pride and honor
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 43% of men and 56% of women in the armed forces are Hispanic or a racial minority. It’s a little complicated because we are not a race, but rather a mix of races.
Anyway, we serve our country a lot.
2018 Veterans Day Parade
The 2018 Veterans Day Parade marches up Fifth Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan on Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 11:15am to about 3:30pm.
[CORRECTION] Thanks to the reader who pointed out we originally published the wrong date. The Parade is on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
This year’s Parade features the U.S. Army, but the Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are represented too.
2018 Veterans Day Parade Theme
This year’s theme is remembering the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918. That was supposed to be the war to end all wars. We need that spirit now.
2018 Veterans Day Parade Honorees
The 2018 Grand Marshal is Medal of Honor winner Captain, U.S. Army, Retired, Florent Groberg. The French-born soldier won the Medal of Honor for heroism in Afghanistan. He tackled a suicide bomber which caused him great injury, but protected his unit.
The 2018 Parade Marshal is U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Mike Erwin. He is joined by Job Mashiriki and Jason McCarthy.
2018 Veterans Day Parade Marchers
Over 300 groups with 20-30,000 people are marching in the Parade. They represent military units, civic and youth groups, businesses and high school marching bands.
There will be floats military vehicles and even some vintage vehicles.
Watching the 2018 Veterans Day Parade
Opening Ceremony
The traditional opening ceremony is on Fifth Avenue at 24th St, next to Madison Square Park. It starts at 10 am and ends with a wreath laying at the Eternal Light Monument at 11 am.
The symbolism of this is the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In other words, we don’t have much time to end war.
Parade
The Parade goes on rain or shine.
Groups assemble on the north and east side of Madison Square Park.
The Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 26th to 46th St. There is a reviewing stand at 26th St right near the start of the Parade.
On Television or the Web
You can watch the Parade live on PIX11 or streaming at uwvc.org/parade
For more information, visit nycvetsday.org
Veterans Day Parade 2017
Veterans Day 2017 is Saturday, November 11, 2017.
The NYC Veterans Day Parade marches on Fifth Avenue from 11:15 am – 3:30 pm. It is produced by the United War Veterans Council (UWVC).
A Night of Heroes and Heritage The Paladin Award Recognition honors the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico, Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, NYPD, FDNY and Correction Officers at Marina del Rey Caterers in Throgs Neck, The Bronx at 8 pm.
A portion of proceeds will be donated to Puerto Rico Hurricane relief. Invited guests include:
- Honorable Ricardo Antonio Rossello, Governor of Puerto Rico
- Honorable Dr. Pedro J. Rosselle, former Governor of Puerto Rico
- Brigadier General Isabelo Rivera, Adjutant General, Puerto Rico National Guard
Veterans Day started as World War I Armistice Day
World War I formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11 day of the 11th month of 1918. Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans of all wars.
4.7 million Americans served in World War I. 117,000 of them lost their lives, mostly in France.
Similar holidays include:
- Armed Forces Day honors those who are currently serving.
- Veterans Day honors those who previously served.
- Memorial Day remembers soldiers who have died.