Is Veteran’s Day Still Relevant? On the Ground at NYC’s 100th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade
Thousands gathered along New York City’s 5th Avenue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country’s largest Veterans Day parade which featured floats, waving American flags, and a guest appearance from President Trump.
Attendance was in the thousands, much less than other city parades including the recent Halloween parade, remarked one spectator. “Leave it to New Yorkers to be appreciative,” he grumbled.
Student reporter Gigi Zamora spoke to John Blazer, a 49 year-old native New Yorker, who believes the lack of people is due to a disconnect between younger generations and what it means to serve the country. He says younger Americans haven’t experienced war first-hand and says they don’t know the suffering people go through in order to keep the nation safe. He also emphasizes that what many have learned about veterans has not been from realtives’ stories leading to detachment. “This new world is based on technology and too much information that has no real emotional connection to anything, honor and bravery are lost.” Yet Calvin Walsh, a Canadian-born 23 year-old, argues that courage and respect are still alive within his peers. He says that even though the metal stands on 5th Avenue are empty, he believes many more are paying recognition via social media. “We are living in the information age and this generation’s lucky and able to connect and relate to the past through technology and see things in a light they have never been seen before,” he says.
Student reporter Ariana Contreras reported she saw many children lined up with flags as public schools were out for the day. But she noticed the amount of young people was slim compared to those of the older generation that were out showing their support. She spoke with a group of female students from a New Jersey military academy. “Out here in New York a lot of people like to record and post on social media so this will definitely get the word out there, so I feel like this is a good way to put a good name out there for the veterans,” says Cadet Wallace.
In fact, many at the end of the parade route on 42nd and 5th Avenue, thought veterans need even more support and appreciation.
Student reporter Skylar Woodhouse spoke to Jarren Forbes from Brooklyn who attended today's parade to “give thanks to our veterans that served and protected our rights.” Woodhouse also spoke with John Blazer who came out to the parade to pay respects to his father and grandfather. Though he did not serve himself, he feels that U.S. Presidents should have military experience or at least have people behind him to help support his decisions. “If we have a war right now and he has no experience, he does not know what to do, he does not know how to tell people when to go, when not to go,” he adds.
Student reporter Jack Irvin spoke with one parade watcher sporting an American flag who was in attendance to honor generations of family veterans. “My grandfather came here from Ireland, and he couldn’t find a job. They put a gun in his hand…and [he] fought in World War One. He never talked about it,” he explains. His grandfather was a trench diver and no one found out until after his death. “I don’t think we do enough for veterans, period,” he adds through a puff of his cigarette. Another attendee expressed similar appreciation for veterans close to his heart. “My dad was a World War II veteran. My brother is a veteran. He fought six wars. They’re heroes.” He equates his support for veterans to his respect for all civil service workers close to his heart. “We have cops in our family too…of course, lawyers, nurses, hospital workers, and teachers,” he adds.
Student reporters Meg Masseron and Jazlyn Hyde spoke with Stacy Harvey, a mother of two, who attended the parade with her two young sons. They were handing out flyers printed with an image of a U.S. flag and a message of gratitude to any veteran they could find. “I wanted to bring the kids to celebrate Veteran’s Day…I had a loved one who was a veteran, but he’s no longer with us,” says Harvey. She adds that the Veteran’s Day holiday is a chance not only to honor those that have served our country, but to ensure that they are recognized and seen, and given not only the respect they deserve, but the help that they need. “I think there’s certainly room for improvement, and we’re here today to make sure they’re honored and respected for the work that they do.”
Student reporters Stepanie Makri and Naomi Graver spoke with two grandparents and their daughter who were attending the parade to watch their granddaughter, whose marching band was one of six state-wide to be chosen to perform in the parade. “My husband was in Vietnam and they got nothing,” she says, gesturing to her stoic partner who was looking out into the street. “Everyone was against the war so they got spit at ….people yelled at them when they were in the parade, calling them traitors. Some of [the Vietnam veterans] still don’t celebrate Veterans Day because of that.”
Another spectator, sitting on a ledge in front of The North Face, spoke about the under-appreciation of veterans, specifically Merchant Marines. Earlier this year, a bill was stopped in the Senate that would give World War II Merchant Marines a $25,000 payout, after receiving little to no support since their return to the U.S. This veteran who served in Iraq, believes people like his father, a Merchant Marine, are veterans too. While this day is commemorated to appreciate Veterans and their service, some believe there is still more that needs to be done for recognition after they return home.
Student reporter Nicole Douer also spoke with vets who believe they are neglected as a group. Barry Linch, who served from 1967–1971 in Libya, says healthcare provided to veterans is lacking and families of veterans do not get enough support. “Sometimes when you see a documentary about the vets you see how they got short-changed,” he says.“ The ones who make the decisions are the ones in Washington who do nothing but enjoy a good life.” Another vet who served in Desert Storm but would not give his name encouraged the government to overhaul the Veteran’s Affairs Office.
For more information on how you can learn more about Veteran Affairs, check out nycveteransalliance.org, a Veterans Advocacy group here in New York City.
