Here’s What You Need to Know About Veteran’s Day in New York

Veterans Day in New York State, like across the United States, traces its origins to Armistice Day, a holiday established to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day in 1919, honoring the armistice and the soldiers who served in the "war to end all wars." In New York, a significant military hub with large numbers of servicemembers from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the holiday was marked by parades and ceremonies across the state.

In 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday, focusing on peace and honoring World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War, with millions more veterans and the world entering a new era of military engagement, the U.S. Congress expanded the holiday's purpose to honor all American veterans. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day to recognize all veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. New York State was instrumental in pushing for this change, with many local organizations advocating for a broader recognition of veterans’ contributions.

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New York City, specifically, has become home to the nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade, with over 20,000 participants marching along Fifth Avenue each year. Since its official renaming, Veterans Day has grown to include ceremonies in communities and cities across New York, with events held in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, and beyond. Local organizations, including the New York State Division of Veterans' Services, have also continued to support veterans through benefits programs, advocacy, and public events.

Today, Veterans Day in New York State reflects not only the historic contributions of veterans from all U.S. conflicts but also an ongoing commitment to supporting military families, advocating for veteran rights, and honoring the diverse men and women who have served.