Veterans Day Parade in NYC 2025, New York

The Veterans Day Parade is an annual event in Manhattan that honors living U.S. servicemen and women. It attracts over 20,000 participants and 400,000 spectators each year, making it the largest Veterans Day celebration in the nation. As a federal holiday, Veterans Day results in the closure of schools and banks. If the holiday falls on a weekend, many institutions observe it on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

Events

The Veterans Day Parade is one of many events held during the Veterans Day celebrations, featuring over 25,000 participants. The commemoration begins with a wreath-laying ceremony one hour before the parade at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park.

Parade Route

The Veterans Day Parade starts at Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, continuing north along Fifth Avenue to 48th Street. This year's featured service is the Marine Corps, and the event will take place from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm between 26th and 48th Streets in Manhattan.

History of the Veterans Day Parade

Armistice Day celebrations on November 11, 1919, initiated a tradition to honor American veterans. This event marked the end of World War I, with U.S. troops receiving a warm welcome home. After World War II, the celebration was renamed Veterans Day, becoming a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the veterans of American history. Some people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, as both holidays honor those who served in the U.S. military. However, Veterans Day celebrates living veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died in service.