There are no survivors still alive from that period, but we still celebrate the Veterans Day Parade to commemorate Armistice Day at the end of World War I, as an important and inspiring tribute to everyone who has served and keeps serving the country as part of the US forces.
NYC turns patriotic red, white and blue, with bands, military units, and veterans’ organizations marching up Fifth Avenue for the 105th annual Parade—the largest event in the US—to pay homage and show gratitude. According to the organizers, over 150 vehicles, 20,000 marchers, and around 25 floats requested to take part in it.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Sgt. Dakota Meyer, the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient.
Around the city, banks, post offices, schools, and federal offices were closed.
According to the US Census Bureau, there are 15.8 million veterans alive in the US today, a figure representing 6.1% of the adult US population. Of those, less than 0.2% served in World War II, one third served in the Vietnam War, one quarter in the Gulf War, and 28% is still serving since 9/11.
