by Shirley L. Ng

The American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 held it’s 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 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 that ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the Kimlau Memorial Arch, which honors veterans of Chinese ancestry. The memorial arch was 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 celebrating it’s 80th anniversary on November 17. They are the largest post in New York City with almost 500 members.

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