Thousands Troop up Fifth Avenue for Annual Veterans Day Parade

Last year's spectacle drew half a million spectators and nearly 40,000 participants

What to Know

  • The annual Veterans Day parade marched from 26th Street to 52nd Street along Fifth Avenue
  • Over 250 organizations and more than 20,000 participants took part in the celebration honoring post-9/11 veterans
  • The parade's opening ceremony was held in Madison Square Park

Tens of thousands of marchers traipsed up Fifth Avenue Friday in a Veterans Day fete honoring those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as 9/11 first responders and other post-9/11 veterans. 

A group of veterans rode through the avenue on colorful motorcycles with blinking lights as spectators cheered and waved. Two Ford Mustangs, one ash gray and the other electric blue, cruised past the New York Public Library as several ROTC students marched behind them carrying a giant American flag.

Mark Scott, an Iraq war veteran, expressed his pride in seeing so many people come together to commemorate the efforts of those who served the country.

"As an Iraq war veteran, this warms my heart to see America come together," he said. "It's all about the brotherhood and sisterhood of serving our country and keeping our loved ones safe at home."

Over 250 groups and more than 20,000 participants, including veterans of all eras, military units, civic and youth groups (including Junior ROTC) are taking part in commemorating the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm. 

Veterans wearing gold-lettered caps were scattered throughout the enthusiastic crowd of nearly half a million people. Perched on the red and white World War II float was an elderly man who proudly smiled as he held a handmade sign that read "Luke Watson, World War II Veteran, 92 years young."

U.S. Military army cadets gallantly marched through the avenue with rifles rested against their grey uniforms. The crowd bopped along with the music provided from the bagpipes of Department of Corrections officers in kilts adorned in navy blue and olive green plaid.

This year's featured military branch is the United States Coast Guard. The Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force were heavily represented as different troops marched down Fifth Avenue carrying their respective banners and flags.

The 1.2 mile parade route traveled north of Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to 52nd Street following an opening ceremony in Madison Square Park attended by Mayor de Blasio and other dignitaries. 

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