Veterans Day 2005:
A Special Observation

This year’s Veterans Day holds a particularly special meaning.  It marks the 60^th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and provides us with a chance to salute the members of this great generation. 

The United War Veterans Council has been called upon by the Department of Defense to honor our World War II veterans by presenting this year’s Veterans Day Parade as the Nations Parade -- the final event of a yearlong salute to our WWII veterans.

In addition, this year we are again at war, with many of our men and women deployed overseas and in harm’s way.  By honoring those who served in years past, we ensure that tomorrow’s veterans know that their courage and sacrifice will be remembered by future generations.

To honor both the “Greatest” and “Latest” generations of Veterans, we are enhancing this year’s parade by inviting each states to send a contingency of World War II veterans to participate in the Nations Parade up 5^th Avenue, Veterans Day, Friday November 11^th, 2005.

The cornerstone of our Veterans Day activities, the parade features:

• March through heart of Manhattan (Up 5^th Avenue from 26^th street to 56^th Street)
• Marching bands, veterans, active duty military, civic leaders and organizations
• In honor of the 60^h Anniversary of World War II, we will have special floats around the WW II theme
• 20,000+ participants (including 2,500+  youth bands)
• 600,000+ spectators
• Coverage by local media (TV, print, radio)

 We are calling upon all of you to help us contact our WW II veterans to participate

The NATION’S PARADE

“From the Greatest to the Latest Generation”

Veterans Day - New York City

Friday, November 11^th, 2005

The component parts of the Nation’s Parade 2005 NYC

Eternal Light Monument Ceremony: Traditionally, and every year without exception, a ceremony of approximately one hour, starting at 10:00 a.m. takes place in front of the Eternal Light Monument, at 5^th Avenue, between 23^rd and 25^th Streets. Thousands of general public and veterans attend to Pledge Allegiance; hear the Invocation to those military now deceased and Armed Forces presently serving,

a 21 Gun Salute, speeches from acclaimed present and former military

(i.e. Medal of Honor Recipients), Veterans organization executives, and the

Mayor of NYC. At precisely 11:00am church bells throughout NYC signifies the Wreathe Laying Ceremony in front of the monument by various organizations. For those requiring it, seating is available.

The Parade: Immediately following the ceremony, the parade officially starts, with elected officials, dignitaries and the Grand Marshals taking the lead. An exact Line of March is prepared well beforehand, with all participants gathered at their designated and reserved streets awaiting their Parade Marshals notice to begin marching up 5^th Avenue. Starting off at 23^rd Street and 5^th Avenue and going up to 57^th Street and 5^th Avenue, a parade of 23,000 plus participants, military vehicles, floats, bands, horse cavalries etc requires approximately 4 hours of time. Traditionally, the Mayor and various dignitaries walk in the parade up to the Reviewing Stand in front of the New York City Public Library – 40^th Street and 5^th Avenue, where they then proceed to acknowledge the thousands of participants. There will be bleacher seating for those veterans who wish to view the parade. The media sets up stationary cameras at this location, with roving camera crews throughout the parade route. 

After Parade Celebration: The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, located at 46^th Street and 12^th Avenue, Pier 46, will host all veterans, family members and friends to an afternoon of military pageantry to service aboard this gallant ship. All are welcomed to music, refreshments and meeting of fellow veterans. Visit the “VETERANS FAIR” area to learn of all your many benefits for serving.

Admission is free to all parade participants.

 Go to  http://nationsparade.org/  for the Parade Application and more information

Best,

Patrick Gualtieri