The 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade will honor Delaware County’s own Ralph Galati as the grand marshal during the festivities on November 9, 2025. The parade will commence at noon from 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, proceeding past the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum to Eakins Oval. Following the parade, a festival will take place at Eakins Oval, featuring food, drinks, and family-friendly activities from noon to 4 p.m.
Galati, a lifelong advocate for veterans, will lead the Hometown Heroes segment of the parade alongside fellow honorees Joe Eastman, Vanessa Morbeck, Gerald Tempesta, Mary McCorvey, and Daniel Lee. Each of these individuals represents the strength and resilience of Philadelphia’s veteran community.
Documentary Screening to Kick Off Celebrations
Before the parade, a special screening of the documentary “The Ralph Galati Story” will take place on November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. at The Mandeville Hall Teletorium at Saint Joseph’s University. Directed and produced by Shawn Swords, the documentary chronicles Galati’s life, including his experiences as a Vietnam combat pilot and his 14-month captivity as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. The film aims to present a comprehensive view of Galati’s contributions and sacrifices for his country.
Doors for the screening will open at 6:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to RSVP at the provided link. While the screening is free, donations to American Veterans Media are welcome to support future veterans-themed projects.
The documentary features interviews with a wide range of individuals, including fellow veterans, family members, and community leaders, providing a well-rounded perspective on Galati’s impact. “I feel nervous,” Galati remarked about seeing the documentary for the first time. “I will be equally stunned along with the rest of the attendees, which should be fun.”
Galati’s Legacy and Continued Advocacy
Ralph Galati, who was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Ridley Township, has dedicated his life to advocating for veterans. After graduating from the former St. James High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. His military career includes serving as a weapon systems officer and a forward air controller. On February 16, 1972, Galati and his pilot were shot down over Vietnam, leading to his capture and subsequent imprisonment for 14 months.
Throughout his military service, Galati received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart. After retiring from the Air Force, he enjoyed a successful career in the private sector with IBM and has served as an adjunct professor at several universities.
Galati’s commitment to veterans remains strong. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. “It is my comfort zone,” he explained about his advocacy work. “I naturally migrated to a space where I felt I could make an impact, not just to veterans but to families as well.”
In recognition of his contributions, Galati has received various accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Legion of Honor Gold Medallion from the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation.
As he prepares to lead the parade, Galati reflects on his past experiences. This event will mark only the second time he has participated in a parade, the first being his return from Vietnam in 1973. “I kept thinking about all my comrades who didn’t get to come home,” he shared. This year, Galati looks forward to walking alongside fellow veterans, embracing the opportunity to represent the sacrifices made by those who served.
For further details about the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade and Festival, visit the official website. Additionally, “The Ralph Galati Story” will be available for streaming after Thanksgiving, providing an opportunity for many to learn about Galati’s remarkable life and contributions to the veteran community.
