BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, @ 25th St & 5th Ave NYC, Wed Nov 11th 2026
NASA astronaut and Navy veteran, as well as this year’s parade Grand Marshal, Suni Williams, reiterated the idea that the tragedy invigorated the nation’s motivation to serve.
“People are stronger, people are better, people are leading, people are creative and we are showing the world that we can come back even better.
And that’s a large part because of our veterans — our military today — all over the world today showing what a great country we are,” said Williams.
Mayor Mamdani joined Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at another service at Madison Park that kicked off the annual parade.
This year’s march down Fifth Avenue featured more than 20,000 marchers, including active-duty service members, military families, veterans and community organizations from across the country, as well as over 280 marching units, 25 floats and 150 vehicles.
Thousands of spectators were on hand to show their support for the veterans and carried the parade through with ravenous cheers.
In a very brief speech, Mayor Mamdani, pledged to advocate for military veterans as they return to life in the Big Apple carrying the weight of the battlefield.
“We will recommit ourselves to building a city that is worthy of their sacrifice. One where every veteran has a safe place to sleep.
Every veteran can find a well-paying job, receive a good education and the medical care they need and live a life of dignity in New York City,” Mamdani said.
It is the biggest celebration of this holiday in the United States as a whole. Service members will march up Fifth Avenue in honor of their service to the country.
Each year, over 25,000 people show up to march on 5th Avenue to 50th Street forever, bringing together veterans, families, and supporters from across the country.
This year, Mark Otto, President and Executive Director of the United War Veterans Council and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has chosen several American heroes to highlight who embody everything Veterans Day honors.
Prior to the parade in Madison Square Park, the annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place, with wreaths presented by veteran representatives, public officials, foreign allies, and senior military leaders.
Many political leaders in attendance, including Mayor Mamdani, Jumaane williams, New York City Public Advocate, Jessica Tisch, NYPD Police Commissioner, Lillian Bonsignore, New York City Fire Commissioner, New York City Veterans Commissioner newly appointed Yesenia Mata and so many more political leaders in attendance throughout the nation.
See more about New York City Veterans Day Parade-2026, in our World Liberty TV, Channels by clicking here.
