National Veterans Parade Takes to Washington's Constitution Avenue, With 50,000 Expected

The fourth annual National Veterans Parade steps off at noon on Sunday, November 8, on Washington's Constitution Avenue, with 50,000 people expected to attend. It is the first national parade dedicated exclusively to honouring US military veterans; the opening ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. across from the National Archives, and the parade proceeds along Constitution Avenue from 7th Street toward the White House. A 5K run kicks off the day at 8 a.m. (Archive image: a previous National Veterans Parade in Washington.)

More than 150 units, 25 marching bands

This year's parade is expected to feature more than 150 participating units, including about 25 marching bands, 16 active-duty military ceremonial and performing units representing every branch of the Armed Forces, veterans service organizations, ROTC and JROTC units, historic military vehicles, international veterans, floats and flag carriers. The National Veterans Parade Foundation, which produces the event, says it receives no federal funding and relies on sponsors, private donations and volunteers; admission is free.

Vietnam pilot Kiyosaki is grand marshal

This year's grand marshal is Robert Kiyosaki, a Marine Corps Vietnam helicopter pilot and author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad'. The parade falls on the weekend before Veterans Day on November 11, when the national observance takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. City officials warned that streets along the route are closed from early Sunday morning and advised spectators to take the Metro.