He returned to New York to a ticker-tape parade - the first time for a classical musician.

BBC: Van Cliburn, American pianist, dies aged 78

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a ticker-tape parade and ceremony for Tuesday.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

After the Moscow win, Cliburn returned to a hero's welcome and a ticker-tape parade the first ever for a classical musician.

NPR: Van Cliburn Remembered As Gifted Pianist

Some were upset that the New York Giants received a ticker-tape parade in New York city less than a week after they won the Super Bowl, but that there were no set plans for the Iraq war veterans.

BBC: After Iraq: Should the US hold war parades?

Although he received a New York ticker-tape parade, he was snubbed by President Roosevelt, and, because of his color, failed to attract the commercial sponsorship deals awarded to his fellow white athletes.

CNN: Olympic memories: Owens at Berlin

After the war, he was featured in his desert fatigues on the cover of nearly every major American magazine, and he joined thousands of troops for a welcome-home ticker tape parade in New York City.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS