Staff Reporter
As POW/MIA Recognition Day nears this Friday, Philadelphia gears up for one of the city’s most anticipated events honoring service members. The 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival will take place on Sunday, Nov. 9, featuring Ralph Galati, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former prisoner of war, as the grand marshal.
The parade will kick off at noon, making its way along the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway and concluding at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Following the parade, the Veterans Festival will unfold in Eakins Oval until 4 p.m., offering attendees a full day of recognition, community engagement, and veteran-centered activities.
Story Highlights:
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11th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival on Nov. 9.
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Grand Marshal: Ralph Galati, decorated Air Force veteran and former POW.
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Parade route: Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Veterans Festival at Eakins Oval until 4 p.m.
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Founded in 2014, featuring 150+ organizations and attracting 7,000+ participants.
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Event highlights veteran service, advocacy, and awareness of ongoing challenges.
Ralph Galati’s military service is marked by courage and resilience. As a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia, his mission was unexpectedly cut short when he was shot down and captured, spending 14 months as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. For his valor and dedication, Galati was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal.
After leaving active duty, Galati transitioned to a 30-year career in corporate America. His commitment to veterans continued as he founded the Office of Veterans Services at his alma mater, St. Joseph’s University. There, he introduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, creating new opportunities for veterans navigating life beyond military service.
“Ralph Galati’s story is one of bravery, endurance, and purpose,” said Anthony Murphy, president of the Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival. “As a veteran, a leader, and an advocate for those who’ve served, Ralph embodies the spirit of this annual event. We’re honored to have him as our 2025 grand marshal.”
Galati himself reflected on the honor with humility. “I’m humbled and appreciative to be named grand marshal of the 2025 Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival,” he said.
He continued, “This event is not only a celebration of service but also an opportunity to raise continued awareness of the challenges many veterans still face. I’m honored to represent all who have served and to help ensure their stories are heard and their needs addressed.”
Since its founding in 2014, the Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival has grown into a major annual event, featuring more than 150 organizations and drawing over 7,000 participants. The festival highlights veterans’ contributions while providing a platform for community engagement, advocacy, and public recognition of service members.
The event is organized by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and an active organizing committee. For those interested in participating, registering, or becoming a sponsor, detailed information is available at www.phillyveteransparade.org.
With Ralph Galati at the helm as grand marshal, the 2025 Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival promises to honor service, highlight veteran achievements, and shine a spotlight on the ongoing challenges faced by those who have served.
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