UPDATE: Delaware County’s own Ralph Galati will serve as the grand marshal for the 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, starting at 12 PM. This year’s parade, which honors veterans and their sacrifices, begins at 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway and proceeds past the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum to Eakins Oval.
The event is set to be a celebration of courage and resilience, featuring the Hometown Heroes portion of the parade, where Galati will march alongside fellow honorees Joe Eastman, Vanessa Morbeck, Gerald Tempesta, Mary McCorvey, and Daniel Lee. Each of these individuals embodies the strength of Philadelphia’s veteran community.
Even before the parade kicks off, the festivities will commence with the screening of the documentary “The Ralph Galati Story” on Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 PM at The Mandeville Hall Teletorium, Saint Joseph’s University. This feature-length film chronicles Galati’s journey as a Vietnam combat pilot and his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for 14 months. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the event includes a Q&A session hosted by former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.
Galati expressed his excitement about the parade, stating, “I’m honored and excited to be representing veterans, especially Vietnam Veterans, in the city that I was born and raised.” This will be only the second time he has participated in a parade since his return from Vietnam in 1973, a decision he made out of respect for those who did not come home.
The parade and festival will run from 12 PM to 4 PM at Eakins Oval, featuring food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. The Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade is not just a celebration; it’s a tribute to the sacrifices made by countless veterans like Galati, who has dedicated his life to advocating for fellow servicemen and women.
American Veterans Media, the organization behind the documentary, aims to preserve and share veterans’ experiences through various media projects. They will also be present at the festival, providing more information about their documentaries and services.
With the parade just days away, the anticipation is building. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the ongoing support they deserve from their communities.
For more details about the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade, visit http://phillyveteransparade.org. To learn more about American Veterans Media, check out www.americanveteransmedia.org. Don’t miss this chance to honor our heroes and witness a remarkable celebration of courage and community.
