Ed Koch Named Grand Marshal Of Veterans Day Parade
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch has been named grand marshal of the 93rd annual Veterans Day Parade.
The parade, scheduled for Sunday, November 11, is hosted by the United War Veterans Council and will run along Fifth Avenue.
According to the group, Koch was given the honor for serving in the Army during World War II and for his service to Vietnam Veterans during his term as mayor.
The parade begins with a Memorial Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Madison Square Park and steps off at 11:11 a.m., marching up Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to 56th Street.
This year's parade is dedicated to Vietnam Veterans, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of that war. The U.S. Coast Guard is the featured military branch this year, according to parade organizers.
The other Army grand marshal will be Vietnam veteran Fang Wong, the first Asian-American to serve as national commander of the American Legion.
Another Vietnam veteran, Charles Battaglia of the Wounded Warrior Project, will represent the Navy.
The Coast Guard grand marshals will be Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr. and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Leavitt.
Last year, more than 20,000 participants marched alongside 3,000 active-duty servicemen and women.
The 92nd annual parade also featured Vice President Biden and Hollywood stars.
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