Metro

NYC Veterans Day Parade to cause Midtown closures Saturday morning

By
Social Links for Priscilla DeGregory and
Social Links for Vaughn Golden
Published Nov. 10, 2023, 2:55 p.m. ET

Several Manhattan streets will be closed for hours Saturday morning for the Big Apple’s 104th Veterans Day Parade — the largest of its kind in the nation.

The mile-long parade — to honor the men and women who have served our country — is slated to kick off at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m.

The commemoration this year boasts 20,000 marchers, 25 floats, over 150 vehicles and 280 marching units and will run along Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to 47th Street, according to the parade’s website.

The event can be viewed live on WABC and can be livestreamed on Saturday.

The parade will be led this year by grand marshal Michael Linnington, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who served in the military for 35 years, holding positions including deputy commanding general at Fort Benning, Ga., and commandant of cadets at West Point and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Mayor Eric Adams at the Veteran's Day parade in 2022.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams attends the Veterans Day Parade in 2022. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post
The mile-long parade is expected to last from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The mile-long parade is expected to last from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post

He is also CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Locals and tourists can expect closures along the route including spots where the parade will form on 24th and 25th streets between Sixth and Fifth avenues; 26th to 29th Street between Sixth and Madison avenues; Fifth Avenue between 23rd Street and 26th Street; Broadway between 23rd Street and 26th Street; and along the route, according to the Department of Transportation.

There could also be traffic interruptions around 45th Street between Madison and Sixth avenues.

The parade is expected to have 20,000 marchers, 25 floats, over 150 vehicles and 280 marching units.
The parade is expected to include 20,000 marchers, 25 floats, over 150 vehicles and 280 marching units. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post

Ahead of the parade, some of the marchers and community representatives will be conducting a wreath procession to the Eternal Light Memorial in Madison Square Park.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday a new proclamation that November will be Veterans Month in the Empire State going forward.

She also announced new initiatives including a grant program for improving veterans services around the state.

1 World Trade Center, Niagara Falls, and other New York landmarks will be lit up by green lights on Friday night.
One World Trade Center, Niagara Falls, and other New York landmarks will be lit up with green lights on Friday night for Project Green Light. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post
Lifeboat Louie, an 80-year-old Vietnam Vet at the parade in 2022.
Lifeboat Louie, an 80-year-old Vietnam vet, attends the parade in 2022. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post

New Yorkers can look out for 16 state landmarks, including One World Trade Center and Niagara Falls, to be lit up with green lights on Friday night as part of Operation Green Light, which recognizes current and past vets and service members, the governor’s office announced.

“Our veterans have given so much to our nation, and it’s our duty to ensure they receive the care and recognition they’ve earned,” Hochul said in a statement Friday. “These partnerships and programs are a testament to New York’s continued dedication to our heroes who serve both at home and abroad.”