An official Veterans Day Parade may be a relatively recent tradition, but Philadelphia has been celebrating its military and honoring those who served for centuries. After all, no one does parades quite like Philly.
The city's military parade history dates back to 1774, when the colonies were beginning to prepare for the possibility of war with Britain. Philadelphia needed a fighting force, and the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry — originally known as the Light Horse of the City of Philadelphia — was born.
Two hundred and fifty-two years ago this November, the unit became the first volunteer militia cavalry in the colonies. Today, it is widely recognized as the oldest mounted military unit in continuous service to the United States.
Nearly four years later, after the only foreign military occupation in Philadelphia's history, British troops prepared to leave the city in June 1778. Before departing, the British organized an elaborate celebration that included a grand procession known as the Mischianza.
The British occupation had been a difficult period for Philadelphians, with residents forced to supply the occupying army and, in some cases, surrender their homes to British officers. But the occupation also left behind an unexpected strategic advantage. Trees cut down by Howe's troops, particularly around William Penn's Centre Square, helped clear space that would later serve as a campsite for thousands of French soldiers fighting alongside the Americans.
Those combined American and French forces would eventually march through Center City in 1781 as part of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. The procession received a review by the Continental Congress before continuing toward Yorktown, where the allied forces would secure a decisive victory over the British.
Philadelphia had another reason to celebrate two years later, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the official end of the Revolutionary War. The city allocated approximately 600 pounds for a grand "Celebration of Peace," complete with a triumphal arch and commemorative paintings by artist Charles Willson Peale.
Thousands gathered for the festivities, but the celebration took an unexpected turn when the elaborate arch caught fire near what is now Sixth and Market streets.
And when the Civil War ended in April of 1865 , Philadelphia was ready to celebrate. Philadelphia marked the occasion with a special fountain dedication at the Fairmount Water Works and a massive parade honoring returning veterans and Pennsylvania regiments. And like many great successful Philadelphia celebrations , the city hosted once again in 1868.
In November of 1918 , Armistice Day was celebrated in the streets by crowds who gathered just south of City Hall around a replica of the Statue of Liberty to celebrate the end of World War I.
Six months later , the 28th Division Parade welcomed home troops outside of Independence Hall with two million people in attendance. At the conclusion of the next World War — in May and August of 1945 — VE Day and VJ Day respectively saw celebrations, including at McGillins Old Tavern in Center City.
Sunday marked the 12th official Veterans Day Parade in Philadelphia, but the tradition of gathering in the streets to recognize military service stretches back much further than that.
From Revolutionary War cavalrymen and returning Civil War regiments to the millions who welcomed home World War I troops, Philadelphia has long found a reason — and a way — to celebrate those who served.
MORE: Veterans Day 2026: Events, freebies and military discounts around Philly
