Legionnaires march in "America's Parade"

Legionnaire James Yermas lives in upstate New York and had never made the trip down to New York City for the annual Veterans Day parade. But as Department of New York commander this year, Yermas was able to not only attend the parade, but also march in it.

It was an experience he’ll likely not forget. Despite cold temperatures and occasional sprinkles, New York residents and visitors to the city lined the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue for the parade, cheering, waving U.S. flags and sometimes holding signs to thank veterans and members of the military marching in front of them.

“I’ve always wanted to come down here,” Yermas said. “I’ve just never had the chance. This just makes me feel so good on Veterans Day to see all this support for our veterans. The people do a good job here.”

Dozens of Legionnaires – including Past National Commander Fang Wong and National Vice Commander John Hargreaves – either marched in the parade or were featured on the Legion’s float. Hargreaves also was making this first trip to the parade.

“It’s inspiring,” said Hargreaves, a resident of Maine. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been in a parade like this. I’m very honored.”

“America’s Parade,” the nation’s largest such Veterans Day event, featured more than 250 groups and 200,000 participants and received sponsorship from The American Legion. This year’s theme commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield.

The U.S. Navy was the featured military branch, while Navy Secretary Ray Mabus served as honorary grand marshal. Robert Morgenthau, a longtime Manhattan district attorney and a World War II Navy veteran, was the grand marshal.

Among those on the Legion float were husband and wife Raymond Dunn and Jennifer Napolitano, both members of Post 263 in Manhattan. Dunn said marching in the parade allowed him a chance to show his appreciation to veterans that came before him.

“It’s giving back to my fellow veterans,” said Dunn, who was marching the parade for the fifth time. “My father was a (Korean War) veteran. And it’s just seeing the people showing their appreciation for the servicemembers. It’s a great feeling. “

Napolitano, commander of Post 263, was marching in the parade for the third time. “My grandfather was in World War II (and) my father was a Vietnam War veteran who I lost at a very young age,” she said. “And I do it for myself. I served during Desert Storm.

“I feel a sense of pride and honor to see so many people (supporting the parade). The community comes together. (New York City) is a city that appreciates its veterans.”

Before the parade started, nearby Madison Square Park served as the site for the parade’s opening ceremony. Among the dignitaries speaking was New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who said that honoring veterans should be a daily practice, not an annual occurrence.

“(Military service) is extraordinary, and we have to honor it every day after,” de Blasio said. “We have to recognize those challenges don’t go away, so we can’t go away. We have to be there with the help – whether that’s physical health services or mental health services, whether that’s housing or whether that’s job. We know there’s a lot to do.”