NYC Veterans Day Parade Participants Share Their Thoughts

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November 11, 2024Updated:November 12, 2024

NEW YORK CITY—The Epoch Times went to the New York City Veterans Day Parade to ask participants about their connections to veterans and the armed forces.

John Shaughnessy, a bagpiper in the New York State Police Pipe Band, talked about his veteran father.

“I don’t know a lot of the stories,“ he said. ”He can’t really share them. He’s a combat veteran, a Bronze Star recipient. There’s a lot of harrowing experiences in Vietnam, so he doesn’t speak about a lot of that stuff.”

Although he did not serve, Shaughnessy said that others in his band had.

John Shaughnessy, New York State Police Pipe Band member, at the 105th annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 11, 2024. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Calvin Wilson Sr., a Bronx resident and Vietnam veteran, told us about why he joined the parade:

“Those that made the ultimate sacrifice, females as well as males, we’re here to recognize all of them. Actually, it’s not about us that are here because we’re all able, together, to survive and not just exist and survive, but to learn to live together. And those that made the ultimate sacrifice, there’s no greater prestige or recognition that we could give to them. That’s what I’m here for.”

Vietnam veteran Calvin Wilson Sr. at the 105th annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 11, 2024. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Wilson said he is grateful that he was able to walk away from Vietnam when so many others had given their lives. He said he hopes others can respect and honor the memory of those who served.

Anthony Leto served on the U.S.S. Independence from 1970 to 1973. He emphasized the support that veterans need and how the parade helps highlight it. His group of Harley-Davidson-riding Vietnam veterans were at the head of the parade.

Vietnam veteran Anthony Leto at the 105th annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 11, 2024. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

George Hernandez and Jose Alvarez are Vietnam veterans from Long Island.

When asked whether he would like to say anything about the war, Hernandez said, “Following the war, people didn’t take care of us.”

The neglect of veterans of the Vietnam War is well documented. Hernandez remembered that when he returned to U.S. soil, there wasn’t any celebration or appreciation.

Hernandez and Alvarez shared a message to future Americans.

“Our country—respect it, love it,“ Hernandez said. ”There’s no other country like America. We have issues with prejudice, racism, which is not right. So liberty and freedom for all, it doesn’t matter what race.”

Vietnam veterans George Hernandez (L) and Jose Alvarez at the 105th annual Veterans Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 11, 2024. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Alvarez added: “I would like America to be for everyone. Legally come in, and we give freedom to all.”

The NYC Veterans Parade is the largest veterans event in the United States. It started in 1919 to celebrate the 1918 Armistice, and it has evolved over the decades into a celebration of all the Americans who have served their country as part of the armed forces.