Mon Nov 11 05:20:00 UTC 2024: ## New York’s Chinese American Veterans Honor Service with Annual Parade

**New York, NY** – The Chinese American Veterans Association of New York held its annual Veterans Day parade in Chinatown on Sunday, November 10th, drawing hundreds of veterans, family members, and community leaders.

The parade, led by the organization’s Executive Director Ben Li, marched down Mott Street, beginning at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. A solemn atmosphere filled the streets as participants and onlookers alike paid tribute to those who served. This year’s parade was joined by a contingent of Chinese-American cadets from West Point and the Coast Guard Academy, adding another layer of significance to the event.

Notable attendees included Congresswoman Grace Lee, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, City Councilman Christopher Marte, as well as representatives from the Chinese American Veterans Association, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, and the United Chinese Association of Eastern USA. The parade concluded with a ceremony at the Chinatown War Memorial, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Chinese-American veterans.

“Veterans Day is incredibly important to us. It’s a day of pride, a day where we come together to celebrate and recognize all those who have served and sacrificed,” said Thomas Ong, President of the Chinese American Veterans Association, during his remarks. “We are grateful for all the elected officials, community leaders, and veteran representatives from different organizations who are here today to celebrate and honor our shared service.”

Several officials echoed Ong’s sentiment, thanking the veterans for their dedication and service. “It is an honor to represent Chinatown,” stated Senator Kavanagh. “Our veterans have made sacrifices, given up precious time with their families to protect our country, and we are eternally grateful for their contributions. Here we see the community’s traditional heritage being passed on to the next generation, and I will continue to strive to ensure that we provide services to our veterans and protect our community.”

Congresswoman Lee also acknowledged the veterans’ sacrifices. “We are here to thank all our veterans who have dedicated their lives and fought hard for democracy and freedom. This commemoration is especially significant in Chinatown, because it acknowledges the sacrifices of countless Chinese-American soldiers that went unrecognized for years. We must remember their contributions,” she said.

Councilman Marte emphasized the importance of remembering the veterans’ sacrifices for everyone. “We must remember the great sacrifices made by our veterans for all of us, no matter where you are. The members of the Chinese American Veterans Association have served in all branches of the military and returned to our community to continue serving residents and make life better for everyone,” he said.

The event concluded with a final tribute from former Chinese American Veterans Association President, Choy Chu Ran. He explained the history of Veterans Day, initially established to honor World War I veterans and later renamed in 1954 to encompass veterans from all wars. “We pay tribute and extend our gratitude to all those who have given their lives and all those who have risked their lives to keep our country free.”

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