Written and photos by: Albert Terc
A welcomed warm November day brought out thousands of revelers and marchers to honor the US armed services veterans both living and deceased. The grand celebration starts where it all began in Madison Square Park back in 1919 when it was called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War 1. It was changed to Veterans Day in June 1954 to honor war veterans from all wars. Prior to the start of the parade, there was a wreath ceremony and speeches by prominent guests including this year’s Grand Marshall, Navy Veteran Sunita Williams. She was the astronaut stranded in space for over 286 days in 2024 and flew over 30 different types of aircraft during her service in the Gulf War.
Kicking off the parade, a large group of veterans riding their motorcycles up 5th Avenue let the crowd know the parade was under way. The hundreds of thousands of revelers began their cheers and USA chant to bring smiles to the veterans walking up the parade route. A parade favorite is the Ground Zero group that carry one of the largest US flags in memory of those that were lost on 9/11. They were soon followed by the famous FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band playing patriotic tunes. In this parade as in war situations, the first one in are the Marine Corp. Semper Fi!! This time around they had a guy dressed up as Santa Claus sending Marines to the crowd to give gifts to the children. My first thought was he was at the wrong parade. Thanksgiving is just two weeks away. But it got the children of Veterans excited to be at the parade.
One of the best things about this parade is the pomp and circumstance of the marching bands from each of the armed forced. There was a performance from one of the premiere marching bands of the country, the West Point Cadet Band. I really tried to find one misstep, but all the musicians were in lockstep and sounded great. Another great thing yet much less subtle, is when veterans salute each other from the group marching and walking over to the viewer railing and shaking their hands…. much like a band of brothers. They cross over all ethnic, social status, military branches, generational lines because of the common bonds they share most notably love of country and sacrifice of giving of oneself to a cause and purpose. I was extremely happy to meet with someone I have taken photos of over the years. Margaret always goes to the parade with a framed photo of her father, Hank, in uniform. He was a WW2 veteran and went to Normandy and helped turn to tide of the war to the Allies favor. I’m always amazed at how many vets come over to her and thank her and her father. Some want to stop by and hear part of his story. Her eyes glisten with love and pride as she recounts his contribution and sacrifice. She says it’s the reason she keeps coming back. Firstly, to thank the veterans for what they have done but mostly to honor her father. Many people go the parade with signs of thanks, but when Margaret goes there with a picture of her father it speaks volumes of something sacred. Anyone with a veteran in their family can understand completely.
This year, the group of Black Veterans was larger than in previous years while the Haitians bragged about their efforts in the US Military. All kinds of veteran support groups like Operation Mend and Wounded Warrior Project also showed their strength and increased presence in the parade. Another group of veterans that push for peace and not war was especially loud since the US is currently engaged in military activity in Iran. Everyone in that group called it an illegal war and that it should be stopped immediately. Yes, it would be a fine day when there is no war, but our military is always at the ready to defend. Not too much to wish for. The parade left many feeling patriotic and proud to be American. All gave thanks to those who served and are still serving….and to those that passed on, like Hank.
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Semper Fi!!!
See You Next Year!!!
