NEW YORK CITY — The centennial anniversary of the New York City Veterans Day Parade (1919-2019) offered U-Haul another opportunity to say “thank you” to veterans and active-duty service members.

President Donald Trump was in attendance for the opening ceremony at the Eternal Light Memorial in Madison Square Park, paying tribute to those who have served our nation. He then officially launched the 100th annual NYC Veterans Day Parade.

U-Haul Participates for 14th Year

An enthusiastic group of more than 100 U-Haul Team Members, along with family and friends from the U-Haul Companies of Manhattan/Bronx, Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and the Lower Hudson Valley came together to take part in the tribute.

This was the 14th year for U-Haul to participate in the parade, which is the largest of its kind in the nation.

Joining the nearly 40,000 veterans, active-duty military personnel, marching bands and veterans’ support groups, Team U-Haul proudly marched up Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, handing out American flags to veterans and children while honoring all who have served.

Founded by a WWII Navy veteran and his wife in 1945, many of the first U-Haul Team Members, local dealers as well as customers were veterans returning from the war and seeking a chance to move their families to a better life.

Commitment to Veterans

Today, U-Haul actively recruits veterans and gives preference to them in the hiring process. A significant portion of the Company’s community outreach goes to honoring veterans and assisting groups that support veteran causes.

“It’s always an honor to walk with our nation’s heroes,” stated Alan Cotto, UHC of Northern New Jersey president. “My team and I had a great time. We were excited about the warm weather and seeing the crowds of people waving the American flag. It was a great day to be an American celebrating Veterans Day.”

Following closely behind Team Members were shiny U-Haul trucks featuring the U.S. Armed Forces SuperGraphics. These easily recognizable images generate lots of cheers. A new graphic featuring the Ford Island Control Tower Pearl Harbor led the 2019 lineup. U-Haul and Chairman Joe Shoen donated funds to assist in the tower’s restoration.

Mike Nadraus, UHC of Long Island president, also noted: “My entire team spoke highly of the parade. They really enjoyed the camaraderie and, of course, the time spent saluting veterans.”

Finally, are you a veteran interested in a career with U-Haul? Please visit uhauljobs.com to learn more.