New York City will celebrate Veterans Day with the annual America's Parade on Friday.
A girl presents a flower to a World War Two veteran during a march in the centre of St. Petersburg, Russia on Victory Day May 9, 2010. REUTERS/Alexander Demianchuk

Americans will honor the many people who have served in the military on Veterans Day. The national holiday recognizes Americans who have dedicated their lives to protecting the people of the United States, and on Friday, citizens in New York City will pay homage to all the heroes who have served in the United States Armed Forces with the 100th annual America’s Parade.

Over 20,000 people from more than 250 U.S. military groups, including the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force, will participate in the parade, which more than half a million spectators are expected to attend. Soldiers who fought during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and all other eras will ride in military and vintage vehicles and floats during America’s Parade.

This year’s theme will honor the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and will give special recognition to the veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. First Responders and soldiers who served in post 9/11 events will also be acknowledged during the parade while the United States Coast Guard will serve as America’s Parade featured military branch.

The parade will kick off with the traditional Opening Ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park located on 24th Street and 5th Avenue. The ceremony will end with a wreath laying at the Eternal Light Monument at 11 a.m.

Read on for the parade’s start time and more details.

Date and Time: The parade will start at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, rain or shine. Parade and festival events will conclude at 6 p.m.

Route: The parade will form on Broadway between 23rd Street and 25th Street and will continue along 5th Avenue from 26th Street to 52nd Street. The parade will disperse at 52nd Street between 6th Avenue and Park Avenue. Following the parade, the festival will kick off on 53rd Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue. Check here for more info on road closures.

Watch: If you can’t make it to the parade, there are several outlets that will be broadcasting and live streaming America’s Parade events. Millitary.com will provide a free live stream of the event while PIX11 News in New York City and AFN will broadcast the event. PIX 11 will also host a Highlight Show from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.