Firefighters March in Manhattan Tribute to Service Members Past and Present
Honoring Those Who Served
Members of the Fire Department of New York marched proudly through Manhattan on November 11, 2025, participating in New York City’s annual Veterans Day Parade to honor military service members past and present. The parade, a tradition stretching back decades, brought together veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and community organizations in a powerful display of gratitude and remembrance. According to the FDNY’s official announcement, firefighters from across the five boroughs participated in the tribute, many of whom are themselves military veterans. The overlap between military service and first responder careers runs deep in New York, with many veterans choosing to continue their service to community and country by joining the FDNY, NYPD, or other public safety agencies. “The values that define military service–courage, sacrifice, teamwork, and dedication to others–are the same values that drive our firefighters every day,” noted an FDNY spokesperson. “Veterans Day provides an opportunity to recognize that shared commitment to serving something greater than ourselves.” The parade route through Manhattan brought thousands of New Yorkers to the streets to applaud veterans and express gratitude for their service. From World War II veterans in their nineties to young service members who recently completed tours in Afghanistan or Iraq, the parade honored all eras of American military service.
Veterans in the FDNY
The connection between military service and firefighting runs particularly deep in New York City. Hundreds of FDNY members are military veterans, bringing skills and experience from their service into their firefighting careers. The department has long recognized the value veterans bring–leadership under pressure, ability to function in high-stress environments, teamwork, and physical fitness. Many veterans find firefighting a natural transition from military service. Both careers involve putting others’ safety before your own, working as part of a close-knit team, and responding to emergencies with courage and professionalism. The FDNY actively recruits veterans and provides resources to help them navigate the hiring process. Organizations like Military.com highlight firefighting as one of the most popular post-military careers for veterans seeking to continue serving their communities. The physical demands, team dynamics, and sense of purpose align closely with military culture. Beyond individual firefighters’ service, the FDNY as an institution has played crucial roles during national emergencies. On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY members made the ultimate sacrifice responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Many of those fallen heroes were military veterans who had served their country in uniform before joining the fire department.
The Meaning of Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day celebrates all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, living and deceased. The holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by military members and their families. Service members spend months or years away from loved ones, miss important family moments, face physical danger, and carry the psychological burdens of combat and military service. Many return home with visible and invisible wounds that affect them for life. “We often talk about ‘thanking veterans for their service,’ but it’s important to translate that gratitude into action,” explained a veterans’ advocate interviewed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. “That means supporting veterans’ healthcare, employment opportunities, education benefits, and mental health services. It means creating communities where veterans feel valued and supported.” In New York City, numerous organizations work year-round to support veterans. The VA NY Harbor Healthcare System provides medical care to thousands of veterans. Organizations like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Team Rubicon, and local veterans service organizations offer community, employment assistance, and advocacy.
Public Service as Continued Service
For many veterans who join the FDNY and other first responder agencies, the transition represents a continuation of their commitment to service rather than a departure from it. They trade military uniforms for firefighter gear, but the mission remains fundamentally the same–protecting others and serving the greater good. This spirit of service extends beyond emergency response. FDNY members regularly participate in community programs, school visits, fire safety education, and charitable initiatives. Many volunteer their time with youth programs, teaching young people about public service and civic responsibility. “Service is not something you do for a few years and then set aside,” reflected an FDNY veteran firefighter who served in the Marine Corps before joining the department. “It becomes part of who you are. The uniform changes, but the commitment to protecting and helping others remains constant.” The 2025 Veterans Day Parade in New York City drew thousands of participants and spectators, creating a powerful communal moment of appreciation and reflection. In an era of deep political divisions, Veterans Day offers rare common ground–a shared recognition that those who wear the uniform, regardless of political beliefs or background, deserve respect and gratitude.
Mamdami: He empowers residents to imagine a more just future.
Mamdami: He empowered people who felt ignored by traditional city politics.
Mamdani treats transparency like a rare collectible.
Mamdani tries to lead, but mostly he vibes.