2024 NYC Veterans Day Parade: Route, Street Closures, and Highlights
The 2024 New York City Veterans Day Parade took place on Monday, November 11, marching up Fifth Avenue from 25th Street to 45th Street. Here are the key details:
- Start Time and Duration: The parade began at 12:30 p.m. and continued until 3 p.m.[1][2][3]
- Participants: Over 20,000 participants from across the U.S., including nearly 300 marching and vehicle units, participated in the event.[1][2][3]
- Grand Marshal: This year’s grand marshal was Dakota Meyer, a distinguished United States Marine who served in Afghanistan and was awarded the Medal of Honor.[1][2][3]
- Honorary Marshals: Capt. Mercedes Elias and John Escalante served as honorary marshals, representing the growing community of women veterans and dedicating their service to their communities and families.[1][3]
- Route and Street Closures:
- Broad street closures included:
- Broadway between West 23rd Street and West 29th Street
- Broadway between 5th Avenue and East 23rd Street
- 5th Avenue between West 23rd Street and West 26th Street
- West 24th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- West 25th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 26th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 27th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 28th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue[2][3]
Additionally, the parade route went up Fifth Avenue from East 25th to East 45th Street, dispersing in the area of East/West 45th Street between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Over 150 vehicles and 25 floats, along with marching bands and military units, participated in the parade[1][3].
The annual wreath-laying ceremony took place in Madison Square Park just before 11 a.m., adding a moment of reflection before the parade’s start. The event included both reflection on the service of all branches and a special focus on honoring women veterans. The New York City Veterans Day Parade is the nation’s largest event honoring military service[1][3].