Bronx Veterans Parade Honors WWII Navy Veteran

The 42nd Bronx Veterans Parade pays tribute to 102-year-old World War II veteran Santiago Rodriguez, Jr., among eight Honorary Grand Marshals.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Military

Bronx Veterans Parade Honors WWII Navy Veteran

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The United Veterans Parade Committee of Greater New York Inc. is coordinating the 42nd Bronx Veterans Parade, with retired Army staff sergeant JonPaul Conover serving as grand marshal. The parade honors eight Honorary Grand Marshals, including 102-year-old WWII veteran Santiago Rodriguez, Jr.

Why it matters

The parade recognizes veterans' service in the Bronx and across New York City as the event returns for its 42nd year. It also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

The 42nd annual parade is organized by the United Veterans Parade Committee, which selected eight Honorary Grand Marshals, while the source does not report attendance or the full list of participating units.

The players

JonPaul Conover

A retired U.S. Army staff sergeant who received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor for service in Iraq, and who serves as post commander of American Legion Post 1456.

Santiago Rodriguez, Jr.

A 102-year-old World War II veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1941 and served aboard the USS Hornet CV-8.

United Veterans Parade Committee of Greater New York Inc.

The organization that coordinates the Bronx Veterans Parade and selected its eight Honorary Grand Marshals.

The details

The parade will travel from East Tremont Avenue to Randall Avenue, then Ellsworth Avenue, ending at Throgs Neck Expressway Service, with the Korony Post providing the Color Guard. SUNY Maritime College's marching band, FDNY, NYPD, local schools, and all Bronx County American Legion posts marching as one group are participating.

September 1941: Santiago Rodriguez, Jr. enlists in the U.S. Navy.
December 1941: Rodriguez supports the Doolittle Raid after Pearl Harbor.
1976: Weir Creek Park is established as Bicentennial Veterans' Memorial Park.
2026: The 42nd Bronx Veterans Parade returns, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

Roadmap

The parade honors the World War II generation as their numbers dwindle, linking a 102-year-old Navy veteran who served after Pearl Harbor to the Bronx's ongoing tradition of veteran recognition. The event's timing alongside the 250th anniversary of the United States places it within a broader national commemoration.

Residents planning to watch should note the parade route along East Tremont Avenue, Randall Avenue, and Ellsworth Avenue to Throgs Neck Expressway Service. Attendees can view the marching groups, including FDNY, NYPD, and SUNY Maritime College's band.

The takeaway

Honoring living veterans while they are still among us offers a concrete way for communities to recognize service. Attending local parades is a direct way to participate in that recognition.