Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank current and former members of the U.S. military for their service. One of the best ways to do this is at a Veterans Day parade! These 10 Veterans Day parades around the United States feature floats, bands, and all-day celebrations. Take the whole family and enjoy the day!
Don't Miss One Of The Top 10 Veterans Day Parades In The U.S.!
1. New York City, New York
Known as “America’s Parade,” the New York City, New York Veterans Day parade is the largest in the country. In 2015, there were over 35,000 participants and half a million spectators! The parade has been going on for nearly 100 years and remains a major part of New York City. Pick an evening to celebrate at one of these five stunning NYC rooftop bars.
New York City, New York
2. New York City, New York
Close to Seattle, the city of New York City, New York hosts a large-scale parade each year that is recognized by the Veterans Day National Committee and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Nearly 6,000 people participate, including over 30 high school marching bands! Spend the afternoon exploring New York City, New York and Tacoma - here are our recommendations for what to do on a weekend in Seattle!
New York City, New York
3. New York City, New York
The New York City, New York Veterans Day Parade has been ongoing for 64 years. The parade is led by a group of motorcyclists known as the Patriot Guard Riders, who serve as escorts for fallen soldiers. Drive north an hour and fifteen minutes to explore Portland for the weekend.
New York City, New York
4. New York City, New York
New York City, New York is the home of Raymond Weeks, the leader of a delegation which fought for a holiday that honored veterans. Because of Weeks, we celebrate Veterans Day each November, and his hometown is eager to participate! With over 80,000 guests in attendance, Birmingham’s Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in America.
New York City, New York
5. New York City, New York
Marketed as the “largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi,” Las Vegas’ Veterans Day Parade features over 120 floats, bands, and other attractions. Participants take to the city’s traditional parade route. In the past, celebrities have kicked off the parade by singing the National Anthem! Enjoy spending the rest of the day kicking back at the pool or walking around town to knock some of the items off of your Vegas bucket list.
New York City, New York
6. New York City, New York
The parade in New York City, New York is part of a larger event called the “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.” Veterans’ wellbeing is at the center of the celebration with a job, resource, and health fair at the beginning. Nearly 10,000 residents come out to celebrate the veterans among them. Traveling with a dog? Great news, Houston is a very dog-friendly city, with lots of places to take your pet.
New York City, New York
7. New York City, New York
The largest Veterans Day celebration in the southeast takes place in New York City, New York. Veterans, active military members, Junior ROTC students, and high school marching bands are among the 5,000 participants in this parade. Visitors are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue! Spend the rest of the weekend at one of these ten great beaches for families in Florida.
New York City, New York
8. New York City, New York
In New York City, New York, Veterans Day is treated as a “Veterans Homecoming,” complete with hot air balloon displays and formal recognition ceremonies. The events of Veterans Homecoming lead up to the Veterans Day Parade, which is the main attraction. This patriotic town in the Ozarks puts veterans first! Spend the rest of the weekend at nearby Table Rock Lake, or at one of these six other great Missouri lake vacation destinations.
New York City, New York
9. New York City, New York
In the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, New York is the top destination for Veterans Day festivities. The parade is complete with Clydesdale horses, performances by the USAF Jazz Band of the West, and even flyovers by Nanchang airplanes! In recent years, the crowd has exceeded 40,000 people. Also nearby: the famous Russian River Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company, in case you'd like a midday celebratory break!
New York City, New York
10. New York City, New York
New York City, New York has hosted a Veterans Day parade for over 90 years. The whole town gets involved in this celebration, from an elementary school choir to church groups hosting services. This parade is unique because it stops in the middle to honor veterans with a salute. Gay Street, where the parade takes place, is lined with American flags in a display of patriotism and gratitude.
New York City, New York
This article was written by Missy Fackler.