Veterans Day Celebrations Honor Military Service Across the U.S.

New Yorkers celebrated the 106th Veterans Day Parade on 5th Avenue, commemorating 250 years of U.S. military service. The event began with a wreath-laying ceremony in Madison Square Park, attended by veterans and highlighted by remarks from Bruce Mosler, co-chairman of the Intrepid Museums board. Over 20,000 service members marched along the route as onlookers waved American flags and chanted, 'USA, USA, USA.' Notable grand marshals included Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, reflecting the pride and gratitude felt across the nation for military service.

In Massachusetts, a ceremony was held at the Hall of Flags in the State House to honor both current and former military members. Governor Maura Healey emphasized the day as a celebration of the willingness of men and women to serve for the greater good. The ceremony included an Honor Guard presentation, a POW/MIA remembrance, and the awarding of the Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. Valor Award to Marine veteran Andrew Biggio, known for his work supporting wounded veterans. The nonprofit Soldier On was also recognized for its efforts to combat veteran homelessness and support those in need.

Oregon hosted the largest Veterans Day parade on the West Coast, with Linn County claiming to have the third largest in the nation. The 74th annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade drew an estimated crowd larger than last year's 45,000 attendees. The grand marshal was Dr. Derrick Sorweide, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves. Organizers highlighted the community's unwavering support for veterans, contrasting with the less welcoming attitudes many veterans faced in the past.

The parade featured around 160 entries and was organized by nearly 100 volunteers, showcasing the town's commitment to honoring its veterans. One of the parade's participants was 99-year-old Nita Eggers, a World War II 'Rosie the Riveter,' who shared her experiences with Oregon State University ROTC students. The event also included a banquet honoring Linn County's Veteran of the Year, Michael Aaron, who founded a nonprofit dedicated to building camaraderie among veterans.

These celebrations across the U.S. reflect a growing recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the importance of community involvement in honoring their service. Each event, from New York to Massachusetts to Oregon, embodies the spirit of gratitude and respect for those who have served, reinforcing the idea that the price of freedom is indeed high and deserves acknowledgment and celebration.