NEW YORK—New York City honored military veterans with patriotic floats, solemn performances, and a first-ever visit from the Commander and Chief on Nov. 11.
The Veterans Day Parade is the oldest parade honoring the men and women who have served in the military. The event dates back to 1918—the end of the first world war.
“Our veterans risked everything for us,” said President Donald Trump before the wreath-laying ceremony commenced. “Now, it is our duty to serve and protect them every single day of our lives.”
This year marks the parade’s 100th anniversary; the parade’s featured military branch this year was the Marine Corp.
We caught up with Albert “Big Al” Thompson before the parade began.
Big Al is a veteran who served in the Marine Corp. He was preparing to walk alongside the New York Police Department Band as their 2019 Honoree.
“I stayed 30 years in the Marine Corp,” he said. “It was great. I think every kid—16, 17—should be a marine.
“It gives them a stepping stone to move on to their life.”
Big Al said people are also here to honor those who lost their lives.
Sgt. Mike Sulsona, also a Marine Corp veteran, was fortunate enough to make it out of Vietnam alive.
“I ran into an ambush, it was set off by a landmine, and the rest is history,” the sergeant said from his wheelchair, explaining to us how he lost his legs.
Sulsona said he thinks it is great that the president attended.
Many others we spoke to were reluctant to comment on Trump’s visit.
However, the sergeant said that he believes people need to come together to solve the problems that veterans are facing today.
“You have to stay as an independent to move ahead and actually cross the threshold of caring,” he said. “Nobody has an exclusive on the word ‘Help.'”
An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 participants came to show their support.
