By Seitu Oronde
Friday, November 11th Veterans Day 2022 was a great day for the black veterans, Officer Patton III, Coast Guard, and Lenoard Ranken who served in World War II.
The United States Coast guard was honored because of its history in New York City which has made a difference for decades.
The 103rd annual Veterans Day Parade ran from 5th Avenue to 45th Street in New York City.
It is the nation’s largest commemoration of service to thank veterans from every era and branch of service from Harlem to Hollis.
The U.S. Coast Guard was this year’s featured military service at the parade. It has close ties to New York City because it protects all the waterways that surround the island of Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs.
The Coast Guard spearheaded the 9/11 boat evacuation, which was the largest boat evacuation in mankind’s history, evacuating 500,000 people in 9 hours.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Vince M. Patton III, who served as the eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. He was the first African American to hold the position. Patton spent more than 30 years in uniform and in retirement continues to serve our military members, veterans, and young people.
As many as 25,000 marchers from across America, including veterans, military members, service organizations, youth cadets, and nearly 300 marching bands, and vehicles were expected to take part in the parade.
Hundreds of motorcycles will lead out the parade and, weather permitting, the festivities will include a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover at the start of the parade.
Click here to find more of Seitu Oronde’s photo essays at Seitu’s World.
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