The event, which is held in the New York City borough of Manhattan honoring living U.S. servicemen and women, begins just after 11 a.m. EST on Veterans Day.

[2] The parade draws over 20,000 participants and 400,000 spectators each year, making it the largest Veterans Day event in the nation.

The Veterans Day commemoration begins with a wreath-laying ceremony one hour prior to the start of the parade at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park.

The 2011 parade included 27 active military units from all branches, six Medal of Honor recipients, veterans groups and high school bands from around the nation.

[3] In combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an early-morning procession of 100 vehicles, with strict measures such as social distancing & wearing masks by veterans.