Mamdani Focuses on Veterans, Skips Parade
Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani chose to forgo the New York City Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday. Instead, he visited veterans in the Bronx to discuss affordable housing initiatives.
“We need to end the practice of being thankful today and forgetting tomorrow,” Mamdani addressed a group of thirty individuals at the Commonwealth Veterans Home in Parkchester.
This decision marks a notable break from tradition, as previous mayor-elects, Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, participated in the Fifth Avenue march. Mamdani admitted he hasn’t “really thought about parades.” It’s an interesting perspective.
He explained, “On Veterans Day, we wanted to take the time to actually sit down and listen to veterans. Many stories shared by those who’ve served reflect feelings of being overlooked and forgotten by the country they fought for.”
Mamdani served fried chicken and ziti for lunch, sitting down with the veterans. One veteran, who confessed he hadn’t voted for Mamdani, encouraged others to regain faith in government.
“The people of this city truly believe in you, and many want to support you. Keep that in mind,” the veteran stated, as captured on video.
Another veteran honored Mamdani by pinning a feather to his jacket—an item he mentioned acquiring from a recent trip to Atlantic City.
The mayor-elect pointed out that veterans are facing “unreasonable hardships,” particularly in securing housing within the city.
Mamdani committed to working “every day” to support these heroes.
While his campaign website does not specifically tackle veteran-related issues, his transition team asserts that veterans will benefit from broader affordability policies.
A spokesperson remarked, “The mayor-elect’s affordability policy aims to ensure that living costs don’t come at the expense of veterans who have contributed to this country.”
Additionally, officials indicated that Mamdani’s city manager will enhance current city programs to assist veterans.
“His affordable housing strategy builds upon programs like SARA and ELLA, aimed at expanding affordable options for veterans and other New Yorkers impacted by rising living costs. It also includes investments in mental health, free childcare, and accessible transportation—supporting veterans in leading dignified lives,” the spokesperson added.
Mamdani has been somewhat reserved about which parades he might attend as mayor, previously stating, “I haven’t really thought about parades, to be honest.”
