Meet the Founders
Francis & Diane Ventura
Founders of the National Veterans Parade Foundation
From New York City parades to Washington, D.C. – a legacy built on service, sacrifice, and honoring those who served.
The Vision Behind a National Tradition
For Fran and Diane Ventura, the National Veterans Parade is a deeply personal mission rooted in legacy, service, and purpose.
What began as a career in large-scale event production evolved into something far greater: a national platform dedicated to honoring America’s veterans and their families.
Where It All Began
Fran’s journey started on the streets of New York City, producing one of the country’s most iconic traditions, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Working alongside legendary organizer Joe Henneman, known as “Mr. Parade,” Fran developed the expertise to coordinate massive productions, from marching band logistics to precision parade formations.
For nearly two decades, he helped bring these events to life, creating unforgettable experiences for participants and spectators alike.
But everything changed in 2001.
The events of 9/11 deeply impacted Fran and Diane, both personally and professionally. With close family ties to New York City firefighters, who of whom lost their lives in the attacks, the Venturas experienced firsthand the weight of sacrifice and service.
From that moment on, their work took on a new meaning. Parades became more than celebrations. They became platforms for remembrance, unity, and honor.
A Missing Piece
While working on the New York City Veterans Day Parade, Fran and Diane met veterans from across generations, including a 103-year-old World War I Veteran in 2002. One conversation stood out:
“This parade has been a great tradition, but we still do not have a national parade to recognize veterans.”
That realization sparked a vision: Why doesn’t the United States have a true National Veterans Parade in its capital?
From Idea to Reality
In 2017, the Venturas began exploring how to bring a national parade to Washington, D.C. After early momentum stalled, an unexpected call came in 2022 from the Mayor’s Task Force Office:
“Are you still interested in hosting the Veterans Parade?”
Their answer: an immediate yes.
What followed was over a year of planning, navigating permits, coordinating agencies, and overcoming logistical and financial challenges. With a personal investment exceeding $250,000, Fran and Diane helped bring the parade to life… not for profit, but for purpose.
Generations of Military Commitment
Fran and Diane’s connection to this mission runs deep. Diane’s ancestors fought under George Washington, received land grants for their service, and continued a legacy of duty through every major conflict in American history. From relatives lost in the Civil War to a grandfather who served as a medic in World War II – earning two Purple Hearts after being wounded in combat – service is woven into her family’s identity.
For Fran, his father served as a paratrooper during the Korean War. The Venturas belief is simple: “Veterans don’t promote themselves. This is about honoring them, and the families who stand behind them.”
Building Something That Lasts
At their core, Fran and Diane are entrepreneurs, people who see a need and step in to build something meaningful.
From operating a tour and travel company to producing sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall, their experience spans decades of large-scale logistics and execution.
Today, they also run Patriot Outpost, a patriotic retail store in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where thousands of visitors each week connect with their mission and message.
The Parade Today
Today, the National Veterans Parade and 5K continues to grow in scale, visibility, and impact. It brings together:
- Veterans from all branches and eras
- Active-duty service members
- Marching bands from across the country
- Families, supporters, and communities
…all in the heart of Washington, D.C. What began as an idea is now becoming a national tradition.
Their Why: A Legacy That Lives On
Fran and Diane are not veterans, but their lives have been shaped by those who are. Their mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief:
To ensure that those who served are honored, not just one a year, but always.
Be Part of the Legacy
The Parade is privately funded through fundraisers, sponsors, and donations by fellow Americans who also understand the importance of honoring the men and women who have taken the Solemn Oath to protect the Constitution that we now celebrate.
Join us in honoring those who served and supporting a tradition that will impact generations to come.