105th Annual New York City Veterans Day Parade Will March Up Fifth Avenue

 On Monday, November 11, beginning at 12:30 PM, the 105^th annual New York City Veterans Day Parade – the nation’s largest commemoration of service.

The event will march up Fifth Avenue from East 25^th to East 45^th Streets in honor of our nation’s veterans.

The parade, which is produced each year by the United War Veterans Council (UWVC), is expected to feature nearly 300 marching and vehicle units and welcome 20,000 participants from across America, representing every service branch of the military and every era. Thousands of veterans, military members, service organizations, and youth cadets will participate, with marching bands, floats, motorcycles and vintage vehicles adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Ahead of this year’s parade, the UWVC will also host a series of ramp-up events.  On Sunday, November 10, an Honor Ruck (fitness march) for veterans and active military will include visits to memorials in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  On Monday, November 11, immediately prior to the Parade, the annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony will take place, with wreaths presented by veteran representatives, public officials, foreign allies, and senior military leaders.

WHO:  

• Grand Marshal Dakota Meyer
• Honorary Marshals Mercedes Elias and John Escalante
• United War Veterans Council President & Executive Director Mark Otto
• Veterans and currently serving military personnel

WHEN & WHERE:

Honor Ruck

Sunday, November 10

START: Eternal Light Flagstaff at Madison Square Park (Fifth Ave at 24^th Streets)

END: World Trade Center Reflecting Pools; 9/11 Memorial and Museum (180 Greenwich St)

11:00 AM to 3:00PM (est)

Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Monday, November 11

Madison Square Park (Fifth Avenue between East 23^rd and 24^th Streets)

10:55 AM

Parade

Monday, November 11

From Fifth Avenue at East 25^th Street to 45th Street, New York, NY

12:30 PM

All media will be required to check in at the media table, located on the west side of Fifth Ave at 25^th Street. Parade organizers, veterans and military representatives are available for pre-taped interviews or may be interviewed in-person on the day of the parade before the wreath-laying ceremony, after the wreath-laying ceremony, or after the start of the parade.

NOTE: The Parade Route is CLOSED to non-WABC media in the TV compound on Fifth Ave between 25^th to 26^th Street.

Grand Marshal Dakota Meyer

Dakota Meyer is a distinguished United States Marine, recognized for his valor in the War in Afghanistan. His exceptional courage during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province led to him being awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor. Remarkably, Meyer is the second-youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, the third living recipient from either the Iraq War or the War in Afghanistan, and notably, the first living United States Marine in 38 years to receive this esteemed honor.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Dakota Meyer has been decorated with the Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device for valor, and two Combat Action Ribbons.

Since leaving active duty, Dakota has embraced diverse roles in society. He has continued his service by becoming a firefighter and EMT, the entrepreneur behind Own the Dash and Dash Hydrate, a highly sought after keynote speaker, and the author of two New York Times bestselling books. Perhaps most importantly, Dakota is the father of two beautiful daughters. 

Honorary Grand Marshal Mercedes Elias

Mercedes Elias served on active duty for nine years, rising to the rank of Captain.  Her service included postings around the U.S. and overseas, deploying to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012.  Upon leaving the Marine Corps, she built a career as a business leader and veteran advocate, having served as the first woman veteran CEO of a broker-dealer on Wall Street. She is currently the Chair of the New York City Veterans Advisory Board. 

Honorary Grand Marshal John Escalante

John Escalante served over 30 years as an enlisted Marine, with multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He was a longtime fixture in the New York City veteran/military community even before his retirement as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in 2023.   Today, John continues his work and advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members with the United War Veterans Council, Travis Manion Foundation, Team Red White and Blue, and other organizations.

The United War Veterans Council

The United War Veterans Council, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that honors and serves veterans. The UWVC supports and promotes a wide range of initiatives that provide vital services to our veterans community (including health, wellness and education); raises positive awareness and increases public understanding of the needs of our veterans community through major public events and promotional activities; and brings together veterans groups, community organizations, government agencies, businesses of all sizes and the general public. For more information, visit uwvc.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.