On Monday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 12:30 PM, the 105th annual New York City Veterans Day Parade – the nation’s largest commemoration of service – will march up Fifth Avenue from East 25th to East 45th 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 and partners will also host a series of ramp-up events. On Sunday, November 10, veterans and active military will participate in an Honor Ruck (fitness march) from the Eternal Light Flagstaff at Madison Square Park to the World Trade Center Reflecting Pools. The ruck will end with a speaking program, featuring 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s President & CEO and United States Air Force Veteran Elizabeth L. Hillman, alongside the United States Marine Corps as part of the Museum’s annual Salute to Service, a tribute which honors those who served in the military, as well as the families and communities that support them.
On Monday, November 11, immediately before 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
Where and When
Honor Ruck & Salute to Service
Sunday, November 10
START: Eternal Light Flagstaff at Madison Square Park (Fifth Ave at 24th Streets)
END: 9/11 Memorial (180 Greenwich St)
11:00 AM to 3:00PM (Speaking program to begin at 3:00 p.m.)
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Monday, November 11
Madison Square Park (Fifth Avenue between East 23rd and 24th Streets)
10:55 AM
Parade
Monday, November 11, From Fifth Avenue at East 25th 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 25th 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 25th to 26th 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.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,938 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. Through preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and service, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s programs are made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org. For more information about Salute to Service, please visit 911memorial.org/veterans.
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