by Shirley L. Ng
The American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 held its annual Veterans Day Parade in NYC Chinatown.
The parade got underway at 1PM on Mott Street with legionnaires (member veterans), friends and families of The American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291. They were joined by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. View the slide show below.
The Navy Midshipmen from The Naval Academy traveled from Annapolis, MD to march in the parade. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 Commander, Thomas Ong speaks during the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Passersby particpate in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem sung by legionnaire, David Louie. 
The colorguards of the American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 marching into Kimlau Square. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
The Veterans Day parade and ceremony in Chinatown is organized annually by the American Legion Lt. B.R. Chinese Memorial Post 1291. Scene of the parade procession on Mott Street. 
The colorguards of the American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 leads the parade procession on Mott Street to Kimlau Square for the wreath laying ceremony. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Army Cadets from West Point, NY, the Coast Guard Cadets from New London, CT and the Navy Midshipmen from The Naval Academy from Annapolis, MD traveled to Chinatown to march in the parade. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
The Veterans Day parade and ceremony ends with the laying of two wreaths at Kimlau Square. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Members of the Sons of the American Legion stand proud and ready for the Chinatown Veterans Day Parade. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Wreaths were laid at the granite pillars of the Kimlau Memorial Arch. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
The American Legion Auxiliary are spouses of an active military member or veteran. They marched in the Veterans Day Parade and attended the wreath laying ceremony at Kimlau Square. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Boys with American flags stand nearby as they watch the Veterans Day ceremony at Kimlau Square in Chinatown. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Assembly Member, Grace Lee addresses the public during the Chinatown Veterans Day Parade. Photo by Shirley L. Ng 
American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 Adjutant Gabriel Moy with NY Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assembly Member Grace Lee and District 1 Council Member, Christopher Marte at the Chinatown Veterans Day Parade. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng 
Senator Brian Kavanagh speaking at theAmerican Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Photo by: Shirley L. Ng
The parade is just one of many ways to educate and give visibility to Asian Americans, in particular Asian American veterans.
Navy Midshipmen from Annapolis, MD, Army Cadets from West Point, NY and Coast Guard Cadets from New London, Connecticut are all members of their respective Chinese Culture Club. They traveled to NYC’s Chinatown to participate in the annual parade and wreath-laying ceremony.
Retired Judge and legionnaire, Randall Ng referred to these young men and women as, “leaders of our future.”
“I see admirals, general officers and a great cohort of leadership. You will defend democracy around the world,” Ng said.
The parade was approximately 4 blocks long and ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the Kimlau Memorial Arch, which honors veterans of Chinese ancestry. The memorial arch was dedicated in 1962.
“As you all know Veterans Day is a big event for us, a day of celebration and recognition for all those that served and gave their lives. We all serve the same country and same flag,” said Thomas Ong, the Commander of the Chinese Memorial Post 1291.
New York State Senator, Brian Kavanagh, Assembly Member, Grace Lee and District 1 Council Member, Christopher Marte attended the parade and ceremony.
“Veterans of this country made the sacrifice to defend our values, stand up for our country. It’s very important to gather annually to honor that sacrifice,” Senator Kavangah said.
“It is especially important we do this in Chinatown, because thousands of Chinese Americans over the course of history have given their lives and fought for democracy and freedom in the US, and many were not recognized for their service for many many years,” Assemblymember Lee said. “So I’m here today to only not to recognize the incredible service of all the military members who have served our country, but especially our Asian American service members and we thank them for everything they’ve done.”
The American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 will be celebrating its 80th anniversary on November 17. They are the largest post in New York City with almost 500 members.
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