Application Information

Thank you for your interest in the 2014 NYC Veterans Day Parade! Please review the following information before submitting your application.

Application Information

Overview of application process:

  1. Eligible groups (see below) submit an application (Final Due Date: October 1, 2014)
  2. All applications are reviewed by the Parade Committee (on a rolling basis)
  3. Accepted groups are sent confirmation materials, which must be completed and returned to the Parade Committee (Acceptance notices and confirmation materials will be sent out starting 7/15/2014)
  4. Confirmed groups receive final assembly information and other details (1-2 weeks prior to the parade)

IMPORTANT! Due to the increased size of the parade and security/safety requirements, all groups must submit an application, regardless of past participation. Please apply as soon as possible.  Applications are reviewed & accepted on a rolling basis.  Accepted groups will be notified starting July 15, 2014.

Parade Information

PURPOSE: The sole purpose of the NYC Veterans Day Parade is to honor the service of our Veterans and to salute our currently serving military.  It is a non-partisan, non-political event, and may not be used as a platform for any other purpose or political agenda.  Any individual or group that attempts to use the Parade as a forum for this purpose will be denied participation, and will forfeit any expenses incurred.

THEMES:This year’s featured service branch is the U.S. Marine Corps (all branches will participate).

ELIGIBLE GROUPS/PARTICIPANTS:

  • Recognized and reputable U.S. military veterans groups, non-profit organizations serving veterans, and Junior ROTC units are invited to apply for the parade. Entry into the Parade is subject to review of your application and evaluation of past participation (where applicable).
  • Military units and ROTC units are warmly invited; please contact our office to coordinate your participation with the appropriate higher command.
  • All other applicants (veterans of allied nations, youth/civic groups, businesses, etc.) will be evaluated based on their service to our veterans community, their record of past participation and other factors.
  • Individual veterans may apply independently; they may request to join specific groups, or they may be placed in the Line of March based on their era of service or service branch.
  • All accepted groups (and independent participants) will be required to sign a liability waiver.  In some cases, groups may be asked to provide additional proof of insurance (e.g. groups with oversize vehicles or animals).

DATE/TIME:  The parade will take place Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day!), rain or shine.  It will start at 11:15 AM (at the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, see below) and end between 3:30 and 4:30pm.

ROUTE: The parade goes north on Fifth Ave., from 26th to 54th Street, and is 1.4 miles (30-40 minutes on foot).

OPENING CEREMONY:The parade is preceded by our traditional opening ceremony at the Eternal Light Monument (5th Avenue @ 24th Street, next to Madison Square Park). The ceremony begins at 10:00 AM and concludes with a wreath laying at 11:00 AM (The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).  Seating is available at the opening ceremony, with preference given to our disabled and elderly veterans.

ASSEMBLY: On the morning of the parade, groups will assemble in the streets next to and north of Madison Square Park (5th Ave. & 23rd St). Exact locations/times will be sent to accepted and confirmed groups.

VIEWING THE PARADE: Spectators (especially family & friends of participants) are encouraged to gather to show their support along the parade route (see above).

REVIEW STAND:  VIP’s and military Reviewing Officers will review the parade from our stage on 5th Avenue at 41st Street (in front of the NY Public Library).  Bleacher seating is available near the Review Stand, with priority seating for elderly & disabled veterans.

LINE OF MARCH: Accepted and confirmed groups will be informed of their position in the Line of March (order of the parade) in the weeks prior to the parade.

ELDERLY & DISABLED PARTICIPANTS:  We encourage our elder and disabled veterans to join us!  We will have dedicated floats & vehicles available for them to ride in the parade.  If your group’s elderly/disabled members wish to go up the parade route with your group, you must arrange for an appropriate vehicle (see below) to transport them.  If they wish to observe the parade instead, reserved seating is available at our Review Stand (see above), and at the Opening Ceremony (see above).  Disabled Parking is also available. More details will be provided to accepted and confirmed groups.

VEHICLES: Our vehicle policy is intended to ensure the safety, security and smooth running of the Parade:

  • All vehicles must be able to provide proof of registration and insurance upon request, and all drivers must be legally licensed for the class of vehicle they will be driving.
  • All vehicles must be able to arrive at and depart the Parade area without assistance, and must be able complete the 1.4 mile parade route (including waiting times) safely and cleanly.
  • All vehicles should be clean and of historic/decorative value (or should be appropriately decorated). Photos may be requested.
  • Groups with vintage or decorative vehicles (military or civilian) may be asked to transport elderly or disabled veterans up the parade route.
  • No more than 8 vehicles at a time will be permitted to proceed as a group up the parade route.  We are working on securing rally points for larger vehicle groups to re-assemble following the parade.

All other details regarding exact assembly areas & times, parking, drop-off/pick-up, wreath information, etc., will be sent to accepted and confirmed groups prior to the parade.

»Apply online

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