NEW YORK—Thousands of veterans marched up Fifth Avenue Monday in one of America’s largest parades. This year, special honors went to women in uniform who have played an increasingly large role in military operations in recent years.
The first female four-star general, Ann Dunwoody, was honored as the grand marshal.
She spoke about her pride as an American before the 94th annual parade began.
“It is so important to remember that our freedom is not free, it was won with the service and sacrifice of our military and our veterans,” she said.
Dunwoody is a recipient of multiple awards. She served for 37 years and is the former commander of Army Materiel Command. In the last four years of service, she spearheaded the largest global logistics command in the Army, comprised of 69,000 soldiers and civilians.
Twenty thousand people from over 30 states marched in the parade Monday, drawing crowds of approximately 750,000 spectators. Millions watched the broadcast live. The parade lasted more than four hours.
Mayor-elect of New York City, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, called Dunwoody a trailblazer.
“She is the living embodiment of the notion that anybody ready to serve their nation with full devotion deserves that opportunity. She has made so much of it and we thank her and we honor her as well,” de Blasio said.
Both de Blasio’s parents and his wife’s parents served in the military.
Turning Points
Jobs for women closer to conflict opened up during the Persian Gulf War of 1990. In the last decade, when combat missions moved to Iraq and Afghanistan, women served as combat medics, heavy equipment drivers, gunners, and checkpoint guards.
In June 2012, the Combat Exclusion Act was repealed, opening the door for more women in uniform to perform duties on par with men.
Veteran women in green uniforms waved American flags on a float by the American Women Veterans Foundation, an organization devoted to promoting the legacy of servicewomen.
Crystal Robles walked with dozens of women who serve in the National Guard, carrying a large American flag. Robles served in the military for 12 years. She was deployed to Iraq at the age of 18 and served 18 months there. She said it’s a whole different world overseas and calls coming back home a relief.
“You’re actually excited that you did something for your country and for everyone else, and you learn to appreciate everything back home,” Robles, who is at a military base in Fort Totten, Queens, said.
“Women can do as much as men can do,” said Jhunaissy Hidalgo, who is also stationed at Fort Totten.
Renea Sutton joined the military in 2010, and Mary Jane Espiritu joined the same unit just two years ago. Espiritu said most of the noncommissioned officers in their unit are women.
“I’ve been in reserve, and it’s only one weekend a month. I get to be with my friends, my unit is great, the people there are nice,” Sutton said. “I love being in the military.”
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