Nation’s Parade - The official Department of Defense Veteran’s Day parade. The commemoration begins with the Eternal Light Ceremony on the 11th day of the eleventh month each year. After the ceremonies, the parade steps off at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, proceeds up Fifth Avenue, past the reviewing stand at 42nd Street, and on to 59th Street at Central Park. Scheduled units from active duty and reserve military, NYPD and FDNY marching bands, along with USO floats, historical military vehicles and veterans groups and color guards from all over the country create an unforgettable parade.