More than 400 U.S. Navy Sailors will participate in Veterans Week NYC 2015, from Nov. 8-13, to honor the service and sacrifice of all American veterans.

Sailors from local commands in Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island and New Jersey will be joined by Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus; Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO; and the captain and crew of USS New York (LPD 21), who recently returned from deployment in the Middle East.

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship contains 7.5 tons of steel reclaimed from the World Trade Center after the attacks on 9/11. This will mark the ship's third visit to its namesake city since its commissioning on Nov. 7, 2009. USS New York has a crew of 360 men and women, and can carry up to 700 Marines and equipment.

Veterans Week NYC 2015 and America's Parade are presented by the United War Veterans Council to honor the sacrifices and service of all veterans. America's Parade is the largest Veterans Day event in NYC and has been held annually since 1919.

"It is important for us to remember the sacrifices of our veterans, not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. Their contribution to the birth, growth and future of this nation should be recognized and appreciated by all," said Mabus. "Sailors and Marines have defended America's interests around the world for 240 years, and the men and women of today's Navy and Marine Corps team continue to carry on the legacy forged by the sacrifices of past and present veterans who have stood the watch since our country's founding."

The SECNAV expressed excitement for the upcoming opportunity to celebrate our nation's service members.

"I look forward to visiting New York City to take part in this great city's Veterans Day observances as we pause to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made to this country," added Mabus. "And to thank the countless communities, organizations, and large and small businesses around the country that provide unwavering support to those serving and those who have served."

Sailors will take part in activities throughout the city, including city tours, sporting events, Veterans Week remembrances, and marching in America's Parade.

"I'm delighted that the USS New York is available to return to her namesake and take part in its celebration of the efforts, achievement,s and sacrifices of our nation's Veterans," Thebaud said. "Their dedication and commitment to the United States touches every aspect of our proud nation and this magnificent city."

For more news from Navy Office of Information, East, visit http://www.navy.mil/.