BREAKING: Delaware County’s own Ralph Galati will take center stage as the Grand Marshal of the 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade, kicking off at noon on November 9, 2025. This highly anticipated event celebrates our veterans and promises to be a gathering of patriotism and community spirit.
The parade will start at 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, progressing towards the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum and concluding at Eakins Oval. The accompanying festival will run from noon to 4 p.m., featuring a variety of food, drinks, and family-friendly activities that are sure to engage attendees of all ages.
Ralph Galati, a distinguished Air Force veteran and former POW, will be joined by the 2025 Hometown Heroes: Joe Eastman, Vanessa Morbeck, Gerald Tempesta, Mary McCorvey, and Daniel Lee. These individuals embody the strength and resilience of Philadelphia’s veteran community, making this year’s parade even more meaningful.
In a special pre-parade highlight, the documentary “The Ralph Galati Story” will premiere on November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. at The Mandeville Hall Teletorium in Philadelphia. This film chronicles Galati’s extraordinary journey as a Vietnam combat pilot and his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session hosted by former U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy.
“I feel nervous,” said Galati, reflecting on the documentary he will see for the first time during the premiere. “I will be equally stunned along with the rest of the attendees, which should be fun!” This emotional screening is a tribute to his legacy and dedication to fellow veterans.
As a prominent advocate for veterans, Galati has dedicated his life to ensuring that veterans and their families receive the support and recognition they deserve. He will walk alongside fellow veterans during the parade, marking only the second time he has participated in a parade since returning from Vietnam over 50 years ago.
“I’m honored and excited to be representing veterans, especially Vietnam Veterans, in the city that I was born and raised,” Galati expressed, as anticipation builds just days before the event.
American Veterans Media (AVM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving veterans’ stories, will host a booth at Eakins Oval during the festival, offering attendees the chance to meet the filmmakers and learn more about their impactful documentaries.
The Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served. For more information on the parade and festival, visit phillyveteransparade.org.
This year’s events promise to be a moving tribute to the men and women who have bravely served in the military, and with Ralph Galati at the helm as Grand Marshal, it’s an occasion you won’t want to miss.
