The annual commemoration of military vets will march up Fifth Avenue
Tomorrow marks the 63rd anniversary of what's now known as Veterans Day, honoring the service of those who've served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It originally began as a commemoration of those who served during World War I—and coincidentally, this year marks the 100th anniversary of America's entry into that conflict—but evolved over time from a day celebrating armistice to one that honors all military veterans.
In New York City, a parade honoring the day has taken place, in some form or another, since 1919, when soldiers who'd served in WWI marched through Midtown up Fifth Avenue—though that event happened on September 10, rather than the traditional November 11 date that marks Veterans Day.
The event in its current form is said to be the largest Veterans Day parade in the country, and thousands of marchers from more than 300 units across the various armed forces are expected to participate.
This year's parade will kick off, as always, at Madison Square Park at 11 a.m., with a ceremony at the Eternal Light monument. That flagstaff was dedicated as a WWI memorial in 1924.
From there, the parade will continue up Fifth Avenue to 52nd street, and will be followed by a festival on 53rd Street between Madison and Sixth Avenues.
Here are the anticipated street closures, per the DOT:
Formation
- 26th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue
- 27th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue
- 28th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue
- 29th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue
Route
- 5th Avenue between 26th Street and 52nd Street
Dispersal
- 52nd Street between 6th Avenue and Park Avenue
If you're planning to march—or spectate—fair warning: It's going to be chilly, with an expected high of just 42 degrees tomorrow. (Should you want to watch from the comfort of your apartment, it will also be broadcast live on PIX beginning at noon.)
- 2017 NYC Veterans Day Parade [official]
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