CNY Veterans Parade and Expo set for Nov. 12 at fairgrounds

The CNY Veterans Parade and Expo provides an opportunity for all of us to “Thank Our Veterans,” and to learn about and support the ways that veterans and military organizations contribute to the strength of our local communities.

The CNY Veterans Parade and Expo will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the New York State Fairgrounds. Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli hosts this annual event, which drew approximately 7,000 people in 2015. Admission and parking at the CNY Veterans Parade and Expo is free. The NYS Fairgrounds allows for ample parking. Handicap parking is located in front of the main gates, to allow for older veterans and those injured to have easier access to the parade and expo.

Features of the Expo this year include:

Breakfast for the Brave

A pancake breakfast with proceeds going to Clear Path for Veterans will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $8 and can be pre-ordered at CNYVeteransParade.org, or tickets will be available for $10 at the door.

GI Joe Exhibit

A rarely exhibited, extensive collection of G.I. Joes will be on display. Saratoga resident Tearle Ashby’s collection of more than 3,000 G.I. Joes includes mint, in-the-box and opened figurines set up in realistic settings and poses. It also includes rare and vintage 1960s and 1970s G.I. Joe figures and accessories. While most pieces recall WWII, including an exhibit of the famous flag-raising on Iwo Jima and a miniature Gen. George Patton, there will also be some more recent figures on display, such as those based on the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan.”

National Archives Exhibit: “Picturing NAM”

The CNY Veterans Parade and Expo will be the first time this exhibit is open to the public. The National Archives have collected images taken by military photographers. They took thousands of photographs that covered every aspect of the conflict – photographs that are not part of our National Archives. Unsanitized and uncensored, these indelible images give an intimate and ground up view of the war and those who fought it. “Picturing Nam” will be at Onondaga Community College until Jan. 7, 2017.

Parade

The focal point of the day is the one and one-half hour long parade, beginning at noon, and featuring more than 90 veteran and military organizations from throughout Central New York.  Local high school marching bands join the procession adding patriotic charm with their performances. The parade is based on old-fashioned military style parades and features military vehicles, local military units and many contingents of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Posts. Every branch of the armed services and every conflict since and including WWII are represented. Veterans who participated in prior years have expressed gratification at seeing the crowds waving flags and acknowledging them as the parade winds around Chevy Court.

Expo

Held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Center of Progress Building, the Expo features many displays with an emphasis on military history and local companies and organizations which assist military personnel and veterans. Last year, more than 100 organizations took part. Some local groups offer ways to get involved, such as gathering goods to send to deployed troops overseas. The VA Hospital and other organizations present information about services available to veterans of any age.

The Expo also features military and veteran-themed kiosks, featuring many hands-on exhibits and informational displays such as:

• Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division will have a strong presence at the event, with troops, vehicles and information about the Army;
• A private display of Vietnam-era uniforms, patches, and memorabilia;
• Hands-on exhibits, activities and information provided by the VA Hospital, Syracuse Marine Parents, Gillette Road Military Support Group, Syracuse Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, local colleges, other branches of the military and veterans organizations;
• An expanded children’s area will feature activities, games, displays as well as face painting and magicians;
• The Job Fair, a community initiative to help those transitioning out of the military to find jobs locally. Many local companies will be represented. For the past four years, the Job Fair has connected veterans with local employers who are eager to benefit from their skills, talents and training.

“Thanking Our Veterans” is the theme throughout the day. There are numerous opportunities throughout the day to personally interact with veterans and military members and to learn more about local and national history. Students learn about wars and military conflicts in a classroom setting, but being able to meet the individuals and their families personally, hearing their stories, often leads to a greater appreciation of their sacrifice and courage.

For more information, visit CNYVeteransParade.org.