Ralph Galati, a dedicated advocate for veterans, will serve as the grand marshal of the 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade on November 9, 2025. The event begins at noon, starting at 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, and will proceed past the Philadelphia Art Museum to Eakins Oval, where a festival will take place until 16:00.
The festival promises a variety of food, drinks, and family-friendly activities, contributing to a day of celebration honoring those who have served. Alongside Galati, five Hometown Heroes will participate: Joe Eastman, Vanessa Morbeck, Gerald Tempesta, Mary McCorvey, and Daniel Lee. Each of these individuals embodies the resilience and strength of Philadelphia’s veteran community, marching proudly in recognition of their service.
Documentary Premiere Celebrates Galati’s Journey
In addition to the parade, a feature-length documentary titled “The Ralph Galati Story” will debut on November 7, 2025, at Saint Joseph’s University. This documentary, directed by Shawn Swords, chronicles Galati’s experiences as a Vietnam combat pilot and his harrowing 14-month captivity in Hanoi. The film will be screened at 19:00 in the Mandeville Hall Teletorium, with doors opening at 18:30. After the screening, a question-and-answer session will be hosted by former U.S. Representative and Army Undersecretary Patrick Murphy.
Galati shared his anticipation for the premiere, stating, “I feel nervous. I have yet to see it, so I will be equally stunned along with the rest of the attendees, which should be fun!” The film aims to capture not only his personal narrative but also the broader experiences of veterans, with contributions from numerous individuals connected to Galati.
American Veterans Media, a nonprofit organization focused on documenting the stories of U.S. military veterans, is behind this project. Their mission includes preserving and sharing veterans’ experiences, emphasizing courage and sacrifice. The organization also plans to offer the documentary as a pay-per-view streaming option after Thanksgiving.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Born in Philadelphia, Galati has dedicated his life to advocating for fellow veterans. He graduated from the former St. James High School in Chester and later earned a Bachelor of Science from Saint Joseph’s University. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, Galati served as a weapon systems officer in the F-4 Phantom and was shot down over North Vietnam on February 16, 1972. Following his repatriation on March 28, 1973, he spent eight years in the Air Force, culminating in various roles, including service at the Pentagon.
Galati’s accolades include several prestigious military awards, such as the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor. His commitment to veterans continued after his military service; he worked as a veterans liaison for Delaware County and founded the Office of Veterans Services at his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University.
In 2014, he was among the first recipients of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial’s Freedom Medal. His ongoing advocacy work includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Reflecting on his upcoming role in the parade, Galati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam War. “I’m honored and excited to be representing veterans, especially Vietnam Veterans, in the city that I was born and raised,” he remarked.
The Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade and Festival aims to honor all veterans and encourage community engagement. For more details about the parade and festival, visit phillyveteransparade.org. Information about American Veterans Media and their projects can be found at americanveteransmedia.org.
