Jennifer Galiani ‘13
For more than 90 years, New York City has hosted the largest Veterans Day event in United States history, the Veterans Day Parade.
The parade was originated in 1929 by the United War Veterans Council, a non-profit organization in New York City that organizes the annual Veterans Day Parade along with other events honoring our veterans. It is a tribute to the men and women who currently serve in the military, as well as honoring both living and deceased veterans. More than 25,000 people participate in the parade including families, marching bands, 27 active military units and veterans themselves.
Vincent McGowan, president of the United War Veterans Council said “The Veterans Day Parade serves as an opportunity for us to honor the brave men and women from every generation who have risked their lives to preserve our freedoms.”
“United We Stand” is the theme of the 2012 parade, which will take place on Sunday, November 11. This year’s parade also marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The day begins at 10 A.M with an opening wreath laying ceremony. It is then followed by the start of the parade at 11:00 A.M. on Fifth Avenue at 23rd street. The parade, which travels north along 5th avenue to 56th street, is being broadcast to an audience of millions across the United States as well as to United States Armed Forces around the world. Fortunately, Trumbull is only 65 miles away from NYC, which gives students easy access to and from the city.
Current Trumbull High School students such as Abby Mastrone have been lucky enough to have witnessed the parade herself. “It was by far the biggest parade I’d ever seen. There were so many people involved and it showed how powerful of a nation we are.” Mastrone continued, “I recommend it to every one of all ages. You are never too young to learn about our country.”
Other Trumbull High School students such as Marisa DeSanty have personal and emotional connections to the parade. “My grandpa is a Veteran so each year my family and I go to the parade to support him. I look forward to going each year and it has become a tradition in my family,” said DeSanty. “It is nice to see him along with other veterans being honored. They risk their lives fighting for our freedom each and every day and they deserve to be recognized.”
i think it is very important to honor our veterans, and the fact that New York has the largest veterans day parade is very appreciated. the veterans have risked alot to fight for out country, more than we could have asked. The parade on Nov.11 is very important and should continue anually for as long as possible. we owe it to our veterans to help and support them; the parade shows our gratitude and respect for them. they are the reason out country lives, they protect and preserve it, with their lives.
I also believe that it is very important to keep the tradition of the Veterans Day going because people often forget the sacrifices that these military family’s give for their loved ones to serve our great nation. Without this day and parade many soldiers who gave their lives would be forgotten and their legacy would die in vein. Veterans Day is one of our nations most important holidays.
Having such a large parade is a great reminder of how the veterans in our country have sacrificed so much for us and how thankful we should be. I think many people take it for granted and this parade makes them remember why they should be so grateful to the veterans of our armed forces.