Veterans Advantage, a founder of Veterans Week NYC, recognized our Military, Veterans, and family members at this year’s Veterans Week NYC 2017. We want to thank those who joined us to acknowledge our country’s servicemembers and to celebrate last weekend’s events.

Veterans Advantage hosted three Veterans Day events in New York City, the location of our nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade, televised nationally. Our corporate sponsors for these events included IMAX, Northrop Grumman, Avis/Budget Group, 1800Flowers, among others.

New York City Veterans Day Parade Float

Veterans Advantage members and their families enjoyed riding on the Veterans Advantage float up Fifth Avenue to the cheers of thousands who turned out on Saturday afternoon to thank our servicemembers.

Our float was escorted by two Ford Mustang convertibles, driven by members, and provided by Avis Car Rental and Budget Rent a Car, the lead sponsors of our parade float. Miss Petite USA, driven in one of our sponsor's cars, proudly waved to the knee-deep crowds that waved back from the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue, past the viewing stand in front of the New York Public Library and culminating at 53rd Street.

IMAX Screening of WWII Drama, “Dunkirk”

IMAX sponsored a free private screening of the recently released WWII movie “Dunkirk” for Veterans Advantage Members and their friends and families. All enjoyed free popcorn and refreshments, a special IMAX gift bag, and the opportunity to participate in a drawing of special prizes. One winner included 92-year-old H. Arnold Strauch (above left) who proudly served during WWII in both the Pacific and European theaters. We thank IMAX for making this event possible for our third consecutive year at the AMC Loews 34th Street Theater.

Sixth Annual “Heroes Meet Heroes” Event at the Historic New York Athletic Club

On the Sunday after Veterans Day, Veterans Advantage Members, their families, and world-class athletes attended Heroes Meet Heroes, hosted by Veterans Advantage founders, Scott and Lin Higgins, and sponsored by Northup Grumman. Members had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with World Class Athletes and Olympic Champions, while the athletes enjoyed getting to know our many heroes who have served to protect our freedoms.

Donna de Varona, 2-time Olympic Gold medalist in swimming, and Veterans Advantage Board Member served as the Master of Ceremonies. With a legacy of family service, she relayed her long-standing support of our military, including time in Vietnam on USO tours. Medal of Honor recipient and West Point Graduate Paul Bucha delivered inspiring remarks on demonstrating our patriotism in a meaningful way and how athletes can join in common cause with our military and veterans. John Mann, U.S. Olympic Water Polo Athlete, took the podium to thank those in attendance for their sacrifices. And, we were all touched as he introduced the first Paralympic ambulatory athlete to break the four-minute mile, Mikey Brannigan.

All who attended enjoyed the outstanding afternoon buffet and camaraderie in the club’s historic Trophy Room and 1800Flowers provided the patriotic red, white and blue floral arrangements that added to the event’s festive air. Two lucky members won a free week of Avis or Budget rental, and several members received complimentary three and five-year VetRewards Card Memberships from Veterans Advantage.

We are already busy planning for next year! If you are interested in attending the events at our seventh Veterans Week NYC, please follow Veterans Advantage on Facebook for the latest updates. We will also be posting downloadable photos on Facebook for those who attended, so be on the lookout for all who joined us this year!