Veterans March Up Fifth Avenue in New York City

On November 11, 2026, thousands of people lined Fifth Avenue in Manhattan as veterans, active-duty service members and supporters took part in New York City’s annual Veterans Day procession. The United War Veterans Council organized the 107th parade, bringing veterans from around the country together to recognize generations of military service.

Proceedings began around 11 a.m. in Madison Square Park with a memorial observance where veterans, military leaders and public officials gathered. Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke about the city’s duty to help veterans, including with housing, employment, education and medical care. He also noted that more than 135,000 veterans live in New York City and said his administration intended to support them throughout the year.

The march began at 12:30 p.m. near Fifth Avenue and East 26th Street. Marching groups, floats and vintage vehicles traveled north along the avenue. Mamdani offered brief remarks before the procession and then yielded the avenue to its grand marshal.

Sunita “Suni” Williams, a former NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain, led as grand marshal. Navy veteran Vicki Bello, who oversees community outreach and veteran initiatives at the Theatre Development Fund, was honorary marshal.

The parade traces its origins to 1919, when it marked the end of World War I under the name Armistice Day. Organizers describe it as the country’s largest Veterans Day commemoration.