Philadelphia Finally Gets a Veterans Parade

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Believe it or not, Philadelphia did not have an official Veterans Parade until now.

That’s right: The city where American democracy got its start did not have a citywide parade to honor its veterans. U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, philanthropist/Inquirer owner H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, City Council President Darrell Clarke, City Councilman David Oh and other city officials announced Wednesday morning that that will change this year.

The parade will be held on or around Veterans Day, November 11th, according to Oh’s office. The route has not yet been determined.

Officials say Brady, ever the dealmaker, was instrumental in making the parade a reality.

“Whatever you need, call Bob,” says Clarke. “Bob gets it done.”

Brady says he reached out to Lenfest, who served in the Navy, about supporting a possible parade.

Lenfest would not disclose how much money he is planning to contribute to the Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund, a nonprofit that helps the city finance parades. According to president Gregory Montanaro, Lenfest is already the fund’s top donor. He says the organization and Lenfest are currently working out the details about a future contribution.

“This parade for veterans is long overdue,” says Lenfest.