2007 Honoree of the Year Ed Koch

The Honorable Edward I. Koch – 105th Mayor of the City of New York
In 1982 Mayor Edward I. Koch established the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission to build a physical memorial to honor the service and sacrifice of those who answered their country’s call during the difficult time of the Vietnam War. The memorial was dedicated on May 7, 1985, the tenth anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam era. On that date the Mayor join more than 25,000 veterans in a “Welcome Home Parade” down lower Broadway. He was the catalyst for the transition of the veterans’ community from outsiders to accepted participants in the life of New York City. Mayor Koch is a U.S. Army veteran who received two battle stars and the Combat Infantry Badge for his service from 1943 to 1946.