You too can help thank CNY Veterans:

Hundreds of veterans will march in the CNY Veterans Parade at noon, Saturday, Nov. 8 in Downtown Syracuse. The event will pay tribute to America’s heroes living in our own neighborhoods.

This is the first year in many years the parade will be held with such a high level of participation. It is scheduled to feature a Pearl Harbor survivor, Disabled American Veterans chapters, American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign War posts, vintage military vehicles, veteran motorcyclists and many groups dedicated to helping veterans.

Local active and reserve military units will participate in the parade. Members of the 10th Mountain Division, 174th Fighter Wing, 27th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Marine Division Echo Company, 274th Air Support Operations Squadron Air Force and Oswego Coast Guard volunteered to take time from their long weekend to attend.

The Central New York community is turning out in record numbers to honor the dedication and service of these brave men and women. Seven high school marching bands and five area bands are donating their time and talent to this occasion. Girl Scouts will be handing out flags and programs to spectators.

The parade will follow a mile route through downtown from Clinton Square, along Salina Street to Harrison Street and ends at the corner of State Street. Local veterans will be available to give tours of Memorial Hall at the War Memorial following the parade.

Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, D-120, and the Onondaga County Veterans Council partnered to organize this event as a way of returning to the days when the whole community turned out to thank our veterans.

The goal is to line the streets with spectators who can cheer on the brave Americans who have made sacrifices and served our country in times of need.

The parade is being sponsored by Onondaga County Veterans Council, Inc., New York State Assembly, Onondaga County, City of Syracuse, The Downtown Committee, Eric Mower & Associates, New York State Fair, Time Warner Cable/News 10 Now, Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc., Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, P.C., Tuscarora Golf Club, Inc. and Rural Metro Medical Services.

Pictured is Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, who is also a veteran, at last year’s parade.