Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrated its first year in 1942, tying with Detroit as the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States. This three-hour parade is held in New York City on Thanksgiving Day and has been televised by NBC since 1952.
While the floats and entertainment are a crowd favorite, we wanted to see what patriotic moments we could find over the last few years.
2001
Just two months after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the NYPD lead the parade while honoring those killed with two U.S. flags. Another memorable moment of patriotism connected to 9/11 is the raising of the flag at Ground Zero.
Following the two large flags was a procession of NYPD officers marching with parade fringed American flags. Following close behind was Lady Liberty in float form.
2004
Passing through Times Square, Uncle Sam is greeted by a spectator in her apartment. Uncle Sam is a well-known personification of the American Government and United States in general. During the War of 1812, Uncle Sam represents the patriotic emotion of the American people.
2005
A man dressed as George Washington for the 79th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The parade started on schedule despite concerns that the windy weather would ground the famous balloons. Washington was the countries first president, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and a Founding Father of the United States.
Below are more photos from the 75th annual Thanksgiving Parade in 2001.
New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani Waves from his float wearing a hat in support of the NYPD and NYFD after the attacks. Giuliani is praised for his performance after the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Big Bird with American flags waving in the crowd. American flag sales soared after the attacks of 9/11.
A Sikh parade attendee waved an American flag in the crowd and a poster supporting both the FDNY and NYPD after the attacks of 9/11.
Photo Source: CBS New York
Content Source: Wikipedia
