NEW YORK CITY—Thousands gathered on New York City’s Fifth Avenue to recognize the service of veterans to the nation in what is billed as the largest Veterans Day parade in the country.
The 2026 Veterans Day celebration marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence from British colonial rule and 25 years since the 9/11 attacks that led to the launch of the war in Afghanistan.
The Veterans Day Parade started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park. Representatives of the military services, foreign allies, and corporate sponsors presented wreaths at the foot of the monument.
Joining the wreath-laying ceremony, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani honored those “whose service won the freedoms that we cherish every day,” and committed to building a city “worthy of their sacrifice,” one where “every veteran has a safe place to sleep,” and “every veteran can find a good-paying job, receive a good education, and receive the medical care they need.”
The parade dates back to 1919, the year after the armistice was signed that ended World War I.
A contingent from the mayor’s office led the parade, followed by veteran groups.
Veterans of the Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars joined the parade. Families of World War II veterans also marched, carrying oversized photos of their family members who served. Gold Star families, military service members, military academies, and military members at local universities also joined the parade.
Adrienne Forman and her husband, Isaac Krinsky, came to show their support for veterans. Forman’s father, Joseph Forman, was a World War II veteran who died in 2023, just before his 101st birthday. During World War II, he served on the USS Ajax, a Navy repair ship.
“My father was in the Navy, and he was very proud of the country and being a vet,” said Forman.
Krinsky said they appreciate the freedoms veterans won for America.
“We owe them a lot of gratitude for what they do for us and that we’re able to live in this free country,” he said.
Isaac Krinsky and Adrienne Forman thank veterans at the Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 11, 2026. (Nicholas Zifcak/The Epoch Times)
Robert Messenger of the UK said it was amazing and “something completely different” from the Remembrance Day events back home. He said New York City’s parade was much more of a celebration.
Rachael and Robert Messenger attend Veterans Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York City on Nov. 11, 2026. (Nicholas Zifcak/The Epoch Times)
“Back when I was drafted, I did my duty, but it was hell. The experience, four years, it was worse than being in prison,” he said.
“The first night I was aboard ship, [crewmates] stole everything I owned and I was left in my underwear. I love my country, but I didn’t like what they did to me,” said Knox, who later went on to study at Harvard.
Veterans for Peace, an anti-war group, also joined the parade, carrying a large black banner that read “Abolish ICE.” After marching a block or two, a parade organizer removed their banner, but returned it a few blocks later.
Jerry Hassert, who served in the National Guard in 1963 and left in 1964, said this wasn’t the first time the group had protested at the Veterans Day Parade.
“Years ago, we took a knee in front of the grandstand,” Hassert said. He said they were subsequently banned from participating in the parade for a few years.
Rick Matelsky attends New York’s Veterans Day Parade on 5th Avenue in New York City on Nov. 11, 2026. (Nicholas Zifcak/The Epoch Times)
He said the military deserves more support because they defend the rights of all Americans to express themselves, “no matter who they are.”
