Presentation of Flags
A tradition that began 100 years ago in NYC was celebrated in a grand style that only New Yorkers can do. America honored its veterans in all the Armed Forces with marching bands from all parts of the country , floats with our beloved vets, and lots of fanfare. Before the parade started, there was a ceremony at Madison Square Park where a stage was set up for honored guests and speakers to proclaim the importance of the sacrifice these men and women made to protect our nation. For the first time ever, a sitting US President attended the event. President Trump spoke to the vets about their courage and how we should all help our vets. There was a laying of the wreath at the Eternal Light Flagstaff where the victorious forces of the Army and Navy in World War 1 were honored. The parade kicks off from this spot up 5th Avenue to 46th St. The warm weather for early November brought out lots of revelers as the parade route was starting to fill up.
Marine Corp Marching Band
Raising Our Flag In Victory
The Few The Proud The Marines
This year honored the Marine Corp as they were the honorary lead group. Everyone was amazed at the sharp uniform and precision steps. The Marine Corp Marching Band set the bar for the drumline. When I take videos of marching bands at the all the parades in NYC, I focus in on the drumline because that’s the heart and soul of the group. They were one of the best I have seen all year. All the Marine vets came out to march with the most notable being astronaut and moon walker Buzz Aldrin. This years Grand Marshalls represented 4 wars. US Marine Corp Veteran Zach Iscol from Pound Ridge NY was the last one chosen among the other distinguished vets.
Valley Forge Prep
Celebrating with Pride
Buzz Aldrin waving to the Crowd
The Veterans Day Parade showcases some of the best marching bands from High Schools across the country. They were all great and made the vets proud. For many students, it was their first time in the city. Visiting from Athens, Alabama were the East Limestone HS Marching Band. They got the crowd worked up for what would be a fun filled day. Revelers were treated to a fun marching band from Ankeny Iowa. A band from Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania had a fun group of flag bearers. Probably the best brass section came from Downington East of Exton PA. A small but energetic band was from Waterloo, NY HS Marching Band. Seneca East HS Tiger Pride from Ohio and Bloominton IL HS Marching Raiders put on a great show for the vets.
On each block of the parade route you can see vets from all parts of the city, state and country watch with pride. One of the best things to see is how total strangers greet each other with respect because they served the greatest country on the planet. The Coast Guard Marching Band played with lots of energy. They brought out one of their newer boats that protects our shores. The Air Force sent an Honorary Guard from Washington DC. The Navy had a great representation but Army was up for the challenge and out yelled them by a few dozen decibels. That extra energy might translate to win on the gridiron later on this month. The parade also paid tribute to our allies that helped us especially in World War 1 and 2. Support groups like the Wounded Warrior Project and Headstrong made some noise and helped bring awareness to vets and families about their services.
This parade was one of the better Veterans Day parades I have attended. There was alot of thanks and respect given to the men and women for all the sacrifice they made to make this the great country we enjoy. Freedom is not free and we enjoy the freedoms we have because these vets gave of themselves for our country and way of life. Do something nice for a vet when you can. They deserve it.
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice
NYC Parade Life 