National Veterans Parade Marches Down Constitution Avenue
The fourth annual parade drew active-duty military units, veterans organizations, and community groups to the nation's capital.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military
The National Veterans Parade marched down Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 2026, starting at noon from the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW. Robert Kiyosaki, a 79-year-old Marine Corps veteran, served as grand marshal.
Why it matters
The parade honors the service of veterans in the nation's capital and gives military units, veterans service organizations, and youth groups a public stage. Speakers at the opening ceremony framed the event around honoring those who served.
The parade is in its fourth year and lasted three hours along Constitution Avenue from the National Archives past the White House. Attendance and crowd size were not reported in the available details.
The players
Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki is a personal finance author and Marine Corps veteran whose books have sold tens of millions of copies worldwide.
Jack Bergman
Jack Bergman is a Republican U.S. senator from Michigan who spoke at the event and said the nation has maintained its freedom for 250 years.
Cassie Donegan
Cassie Donegan is the reigning Miss America 2026 who sang the National Anthem and 'America the Beautiful' at the opening ceremony.
The details
Active-duty ceremonial and performing units took part, including the 257th Army Band, the 380th Army Reserve Band, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the U.S. Marine Band. Vintage military vehicles, veterans service organization floats, high school bands, college drill teams, and community troupes also marched, and Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan sang the National Anthem and 'America the Beautiful' at the opening ceremony.
Timeline
Noon, November 8, 2026: parade steps off from Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW.
November 8, 2026: the National Veterans Parade is held in Washington, D.C.
Season Trajectory
The parade follows decades after Vietnam veterans faced public mistreatment when they returned home, reflecting a reversal in how the nation publicly honors its service members. Its fourth annual edition shows the event becoming an established fixture on the capital's calendar.
Residents and visitors planning to see veterans' events in Washington can expect parade route closures along Constitution Avenue on parade days. Local readers can watch for the next annual edition of the event.
The takeaway
Public recognition of veterans has grown considerably since the Vietnam era, and events like this one give communities a direct way to show thanks. Readers can attend local veterans events to participate in that recognition.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more Military news from the Washington area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stars and Stripes.
