Honor and Remember: U-Haul Part of America’s Parade in NYC

Dec 2, 2015

NEW YORK CITY — Patriotic New Yorkers numbering in the hundreds of thousands lined Manhattan’s famed Fifth Avenue, braving the chilly temperatures to honor past and present veterans on Nov. 11 at America’s Parade.

The largest of the Veterans Day parades held in the U.S., the 2015 America’s Parade was themed “Honor and Remember” to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

America's Parade

U-Haul team members marched up 5th Avenue honoring veterans during America’s Parade.

While each branch of military service is represented annually in America’s Parade, every year one branch is featured. This year’s featured branch was the Navy. This distinction had added significant for U-Haul since the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage was founded by World War II Navy veteran L.S. “Sam” Shoen, and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen, in 1945.

Joining the 20,000-plus parade participants were five U-Haul trucks featuring the Armed Forces SuperGraphics. In addition to the trucks, more than 50 enthusiastic U-Haul Team Members from the U-Haul Companies of Manhattan/Bronx, Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island, Long Island and Northern New Jersey marched while passing out American flags to spectators.

“It is an honor to be a part of the largest celebration of veterans in the country,” said Anthony Paladino, U-Haul Company of Northern New Jersey president. “Our team is proud to thank those who have served and are currently serving our country. Our team enjoys being a part of this celebration, and letting the veterans know how much they are appreciated.”

U-Haul, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, has relied heavily on veterans to shape and build its brand, products and services through the decades. U-Haul continues to embrace the veterans’ community by giving them priority in the recruiting process for jobs. U-Haul is ranked annually among the top veteran-friendly employers in the U.S.

Amarica's Parade

U-Haul team members passed out American Flags along the parade route.

“The parade was a great time for my Team Members this year,” said Mike Nadraus, U-Haul Company of Long Island president. “We brought a veteran, Arron Williams, general manager of U-Haul Moving and Storage East Patchogue. It was his first time in the parade, and seeing his smile was reward enough. I am so proud to work for U-Haul because the Company strongly supports our veterans.”

In addition to honoring our nation’s veterans, U-Haul paid tribute to longtime America’s Parade executive director, Vietnam veteran and dear friend to U-Haul, Pat Gualtieri, who passed away on July 21. During the parade, New York City said farewell to Gualtieri, who was instrumental in building the event into the biggest annual celebration of service in the nation.

Click here to read what Gualtieri previously said about U-Haul and its involvement in America’s Parade throughout the years. U-Haul salutes Gualtieri and will remember his dedication to our veterans for years to come.

U-Haul has long been a sponsor of the Veterans Day parades in New York City and Phoenix. Share with us your Veterans Day experience in the comments box below!

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Over half a million people face food insecurity in Maricopa County. Local nonprofits work daily to address this ongoing concern, but could not service those in need with the commitment of community and business members who choose to step up and help. U-Haul...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

When Luz decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Homeownership Program, she had no idea just how much of an impact it would have on her son, Jason. The family met Habitat’s criteria and completed more than 400 hours of “sweat equity” by working...

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. — Michelle Vukov-Mikel and Michele Ramirez have been honored as the U-Haul® Volunteers of the Year for 2023. At the end of each year, U-Haul recognizes the Team Member(s) who has volunteered the most hours, supported the greatest number of U-Haul charity...