The annual New York City Veterans Day Parade took place on November 11, 2026, with over 30,000 participants marching up Fifth Avenue to honor 250 years of veteran service and commemorate 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.
The parade, which started at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and ended at 50th Street, was led by grand marshal Sunita "Suni" Williams and honorary marshal Vicki Bello, and featured live coverage by Joe Torres, Stephanie Ramos, CeFaan Kim, and Lucy Yang.
The parade marked a historic milestone, honoring 250 years of veteran service to the United States and commemorating 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Millions of spectators lined the route to observe the procession, which highlights the sacrifices of active-duty personnel and veterans across 5 generations. The parade featured 30,000 participants, 25 marching bands, and 150 veteran groups.
Grand Marshal Leads Route
Sunita "Suni" Williams served as grand marshal, leading the massive deployment alongside honorary marshal Vicki Bello. Mark Otto praised the selection of the veteran astronaut for the landmark procession. "We are incredibly proud to welcome Suni as Grand Marshal of this year's NYC Veterans Day Parade on the 250th birthday of the United States of America," Otto stated. "Her dedication and service embody the values we honor each Veterans Day." Elijah Westbrook and Lucy Yang were also in attendance, showing their support for the veterans.
The multi-hour event received extensive media coverage across local and national platforms. Television broadcasts reached millions of households through Channel 7, with live coverage hosted by 4 anchors, including Joe Torres and Stephanie Ramos. Reporters CeFaan Kim and Lucy Yang provided live updates from 10 different viewing points along the Midtown route, capturing veteran reactions and military band performances. The parade was also streamed online, allowing 50,000 viewers to watch from around the world.
Broadcast Coverage Teams
The live television coverage was anchored by Joe Torres, alongside ABC News correspondent Stephanie Ramos. Reporters CeFaan Kim and Lucy Yang provided live updates from various viewing points along the 2.5-mile Midtown route, capturing veteran reactions and military band performances. The parade featured 50 veteran groups, 25 marching bands, and 10 military units, making it one of the largest and most diverse parades in the country. Security forces maintained a heavy presence throughout the 5-hour event, managing street closures across 10 city blocks in Manhattan. City officials coordinated emergency response teams to ensure public safety as crowds dispersed following the conclusion of the march at 50th Street.
The NYC Veterans Day Parade was a successful event, honoring the sacrifices of veterans and active-duty personnel, and featuring a grand marshal, honorary marshal, and extensive media coverage. With over 30,000 participants, 250 years of service, and 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, the parade was a historic milestone in the city's history.