A Celebration of Veteran’s Day. By Hope Wilkos, Blogger. The men and women who serve our country on a daily basis wholeheartedly deserve recognition. Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to pay tribute to these fearless individuals who make the United States a safer place to live.
Photo Credit: George Whylie
This past November 11th, festivities and parades took place across the city in honor of our vets. Tourists and residents alike lined the streets bundled up in heavy coats and eager to greet the people who have courageously fought to protect our great country.
Harleys roared down the street with patriotic American flags blowing in the breeze. Policemen stood guard solemnly and saluted their fellow countrymen.
You could feel the enthusiasm in the packed crowd. The community spirit and sense of pride helped to create an electrifying energy throughout the parade route.
Sleek stallions galloped in the procession. The NYPD Band was a real treat, the sounds of the trumpets and trombones resonating throughout our great city.
Small children of servicemen grasped their fathers’ hands tightly and their wide smiles captured the hearts of the onlookers. They were so jubilant to be able to stand tall with their dads and the love was reciprocated as was evident in the expressions on the faces of these veterans.
World War II 1944-1948 Congressional Gold Medal recipient, Julius Freeman, drove through the procession and was well received by the throng of parade watchers.
East 44th Street was the scene where the honorable Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave his tribute to the Vets and he was surrounded by security personnel as well as an ecstatic crowd.
As the parade proceeded down towards the New York Public Library, there were vets of all ages marching in unison and bonding for a common cause. Cameras were flashing and hands were clapping. Many cultures came together on this great day with a sense of commonality. An older gentleman dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue including his cane, walked down the street attracting a laugh, a whisper and a curious look from those onlookers whose eyes met his gaze.
The sun was shining bright on the polished red fire engine loaded up with lofty veterans.
Beauty queens looked stunning as they took part in the procession and grasped a picture of a veteran that they held near and dear to them.
This year’s parade marked another great event for Veterans old and young alike. New York City celebrated the day with a great sense of enthusiasm and pride. We can truly say that we are proud to be Americans. We all look forward to November 10th and 11th, 2011 when we will celebrate the World Trade Center 10th Anniversary tribute.
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