Aviva Press

The 2014 New York Veterans Day Parade with Grand Marshal former NYPD commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War commenced Tuesday, November 11, 11:11am up Fifth Avenue at 29th Street to 53rd Street. Presented by the United War Veterans Council (UWVC), this year’s America’s Parade theme Land of the Free/Home of the Brave, celebrated Francis Scott Key's The Star-Spangled Banner 200th anniversary, featured the U.S. Marine Corps military branch and honored the bravery and commitment of veterans that have served, veterans that are serving, their families, military supporters and volunteers.

The parade showcased over 20,000 participants from veterans of all eras to active duty military to ROTC and JROTC units to civic and group youths to marching bands to floats and military vehicles. The Opening Ceremony at Madison Square Park included a wreath-laying ceremony honoring veterans who gave their lives for America. The Street Fair immediately followed the parade on 53rd Street.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Grand Marshal former NYPD commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War, and his wife Veronica, Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Korean War Veterans at the Opening Ceremony in Madison Square Park.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: The National Association of Black Military Women at the Opening Ceremony in Madison Square Park.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: The Korean Veterans Association, Korean War Veterans Wreath at the Opening Ceremony in Madison Square Park.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: The Vietnam Veterans of America, Vietnam War Veterans Wreath at the Opening Ceremony in Madison Square Park.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Detective Martin Green, NYPD.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: The New York City Police Department.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Mayor Bill de Blasio, City of New York, left-end, waving the American flag.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: (L-R) Parade co-host Rosanna Scotto, WNYW-FOX5 News, with Veronica Kelly, Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Grand Marshal former NYPD commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War and parade co-host Greg Kelly (Raymond’s son), WNYW-FOX5 News, Aviator, U.S. Marine Corps.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Elinor Otto, Rosie the Riveter 2014 Lillian K. Keil Award recipient for Women’s Contributions to the Military, building airplanes since 1942.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: American veteran on a U.S. Military vehicle.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: World War II (1941-1945) Veterans parade float.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: U.S. Marine Corps band.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, Fire Department New York City.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: U.S. Military Pipes & Drums.

2014 NY Veterans Day Parade: U.S. Army band.