Despite the rain, approximately 30 Red Crossers turned out on Sunday to honor the service and sacrifice of active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families at the 11th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival. They joined more than 100 veterans organizations and 4,000 participants in a powerful display of gratitude and support.

The celebration came just one day before the U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th birthday, drawing thousands to Philadelphia for a weekend of patriotic activities.

Like last year, the parade traveled a half mile along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before ending at Eakins Oval, where the festival featured live music, food vendors, veterans organizations and more.

On Veterans Day – and every day – the American Red Cross proudly stands with those who serve. For more than a century, the Red Cross has been a trusted partner to the U.S. military, deploying in every conflict since the Spanish-American War.

Last year in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Red Cross delivered 1,117 services to help military members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.

From the first day of enlistment, service members and their families are eligible for Red Cross services. These include:

• Hero Care Network: The Red Cross connects service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance any day, any time. This includes emergency communication messages, financial assistance, critical community services and more.

• Whole Health Programs: The Red Cross aims to improve the health and wellness of people in the military community through programs that focus on the whole health of each individual, including behavioral health workshops, hospital and peer support programs and a global network for caregivers to increase feelings of connection, hope and wellbeing.

• Overseas Military Community Support: The Red Cross maintains a global presence on over 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, providing in-person support for troops and their families.

Visit redcross.org/SAF to learn more about how the Red Cross supports service members, veterans and their families and how to volunteer.

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- Written by Alana Mauger