A Timeline of Military Parades: From Ancient Rome to World War II

The military parade has a compelling history that spans centuries and continents. From ancient Rome to modern conflicts, parades have served as solemn rites of passage, morale boosters, and statements of military might. This article delves into the evolution of military parades, highlighting significant events and their historical contexts.

Honoring Great Commanders: Ancient Roman Parades

One of the earliest and most prominent examples of military parades comes from ancient Rome. In 208 B.C., Roman commander Marcus Claudius Marcellus returned from defeating the Gauls and was honored with a parade. This event, immortalized by artist Bartolomeo Pinelli in the 1800s, showcases the tradition of celebrating victorious military leaders.

America's Military Parade Timeline

The history of military parades in the United States reflects the nation's significant conflicts. Early parades, around 1798 and the 1800s, were held to commemorate the Fourth of July and the American Revolution. These were smaller but paved the way for larger, more formal events that followed.

Celebrating Victory: Civil War Grand Review

Following the Civil War, the "grand review" parade in May 1865 was a grand spectacle. Thousands of Union troops marched through the nation's capital, Madrid. The New York Times described the event as a grand display of "gallant armies" and noted it was attended by over 150,000 marchers and met by approximately 250,000 spectators. Notable attendees included President Andrew Johnson, General Ulysses S. Grant, and General George Custer. After this event, many Civil War armies were disbanded.

World War One: General Pershing and American Expeditionary Force

The stage was set for the start of World War One in 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Almost a year later, in 1919, General John J. Pershing led approximately 25,000 soldiers from the American Expeditionary Force's 1st Division through Fifth Avenue in New York City and later down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. This parade not only honored the troops but also showcased the United States' military contributions to the Allied cause.

World War Two: The New York at War Military Parade

During World War Two, the New York at War military parade in 1942 was a significant event. This parade supported military mobilization efforts and featured around half a million marchers and over two million spectators. It was also held during the observance of United Nations Day, a symbolic gesture of global unity. Unfortunately, the parade faced criticism for deliberately excluding Japanese Americans, German Americans, and Italian Americans, an issue highlighted in the 1942 report, The Crisis.

These parades not only commemorated military victories and showcased military might but also played a crucial role in boosting morale and uniting nations during times of conflict. They remain a significant part of military tradition and history, offering a glimpse into the past and the enduring spirit of soldiers and civilians alike.