Expanded Veterans Weekend to Unite Americans in Honor of Every Veteran
Washington, D.C. – September 29, 2026 –
The National Veterans Parade (NVP) will return to the nation’s capital November 7–8, 2026, bringing veterans, military families, active-duty service members, veterans service organizations, marching bands, international veterans and Americans from across the country together for a weekend dedicated to honoring those who served.
Built around the theme “Veterans First,” the National Veterans Parade is a non-partisan celebration of every veteran—regardless of branch, generation, background, political affiliation or religious belief.
The 2026 celebration expands beyond the traditional parade into a full National Veterans Parade Weekend, beginning Saturday, November 7, with a major high school marching band festival on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial. Saturday evening will feature a special Grand Marshal and sponsor gathering.
Sunday, November 8, will begin with the NVP5K at 8:00 a.m., followed by the National Veterans Parade at noon in front of the National Archives on Constitution Avenue. The parade will proceed along Constitution Avenue and past the White House.
The 2026 parade is expected to feature more than 150 participating units, including approximately 25 marching bands, 16 active-duty military ceremonial and performing units representing every branch of the Armed Forces, veterans service organizations, many ROTC and JROTC units, historic military vehicles, international veterans, floats, pageant titleholders, American flag carriers and special tributes to veterans of past generations.
Among the participating organizations and special features will be a 30 Veteran Service Organizations, a large American flag presentation, historic flags, veterans transportation vehicles and special recognition for surviving World War II veterans.
The National Veterans Parade is also pleased to welcome Marine Vietnam Combat Pilot and author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”,Robert Kiyosaki as Honorary Grand Marshal for the 2026 celebration.
For the first time, the parade’s live production will also be distributed through an expanded national media and broadcast network. C-SPAN, NewsNation, The Epoch Times and Real America’s Voice are among the media organizations carrying or incorporating the National Veterans Parade live feed, giving audiences beyond Washington, D.C., an opportunity to participate in the celebration.
“This parade belongs to every veteran and every American,” said National Veterans Parade leadership. “Our goal is simple: to bring people together, put Veterans First, and remind our nation that regardless of our differences, we can stand together in gratitude for those who raised their right hand and took an oath to defend the Constitution.”
The National Veterans Parade receives no federal funding and is made possible through sponsors, private donations, volunteers and organizations committed to honoring America’s veterans.
As America continues its 250th anniversary celebration, the 2026 National Veterans Parade will provide a national stage for remembrance, gratitude, patriotism and unity.
Run. Walk. Honor. Remember.
For information about the National Veterans Parade, participation, sponsorships, media opportunities or the NVP5K, visit:
NationalVeteransParade.org
NVP5K.com
About the National Veterans Parade
The National Veterans Parade is a non-partisan national celebration dedicated to honoring every American veteran and bringing Americans together in Washington, D.C. Through the parade, NVP5K, military and veterans participation, educational programs and community events, the organization seeks to ensure that the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans are celebrated, acknowledged and remembered.
For Media and Sponsorship InformationContact:
Fran Ventura, National Veterans Parade
fventura@nationalveteransparade.org
(202) 674-8490
