New York City celebrates Veterans Day with a vibrant parade on November 11, 2025, in Manhattan, marking the kickoff to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The event, organized by the United War Veterans Council, pays tribute to the U.S. military’s three primary branches: the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The parade is expected to draw over 20,000 participants and will highlight the rich history of the American military.
The festivities commence with an 11:00 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park, followed by the parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m. Participants will march rain or shine along Fifth Avenue, traversing between 26th Street and 50th Street. This year’s procession features more than 280 marching units, 150 vehicles, and 25 floats, showcasing representatives from various military eras since World War II.
Parade Route and Street Closures
The parade will last approximately three hours, with participants assembling in designated areas near Madison Square Park. Significant street closures are anticipated in Midtown Manhattan, managed at the discretion of the NYPD. Key closures include:
– Parade Formation:
– Broadway between West 23rd Street and West 29th Street
– Fifth Avenue between West 23rd Street and West 26th Street
– West 24th Street and West 25th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
– Parade Route:
– Fifth Avenue between 25th Street and 48th Street
– Parade Dispersal:
– East/West 45th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue
Other closures will affect various streets in the vicinity, including parts of Broadway and Madison Avenue.
Honoring Military Heroes and Special Guests
This year’s parade honors notable grand marshals, including former Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha, Marine veteran and advocate for homeless veterans Stephen Peck, and retired U.S. Navy Captain and NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams. The parade commemorates the beginning of the Revolutionary War, signifying 250 years of military history in the United States.
Additionally, NJ Transit offers complimentary rides for all active and retired military personnel with valid identification on this day. This initiative applies to rail, bus, and light rail services, allowing veterans to participate in the celebrations without additional costs.
The annual Veterans Day Parade, first held in 1919, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, originating from the armistice that ended fighting in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Each year, this event not only honors those who have served but also reinforces the connection between the military and the community.
As the parade unfolds along Fifth Avenue, it promises to be a day filled with pride, remembrance, and celebration of the enduring spirit of the nation’s military heritage.
