WASHINGTON—Crowds gathered in the nation’s capital on a sunny November day to watch the National Veterans Parade, which honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
This year’s gathering on Nov. 8, held ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, marked the fourth annual parade.
The grand marshal for this year was Robert Kiyosaki, a Vietnam veteran and author of the bestselling book “Rich Dad Poor Dad.”
“I really can’t believe I’m here. I’m a veteran, but to represent millions of veterans who came before me and the millions yet to come is such an honor,” Kiyosaki told NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times.
He pointed out the difference between the U.S. military and some other militaries that are made “to oppress, to take freedoms away.” He cited the Tiananmen Square massacre, in which the Chinese military used guns and tanks to kill student protesters who advocated for political and economic reform.
“We fight for the freedom of speech, the freedom to bear arms, the freedom to vote, and those freedoms are worth fighting for and dying for,” he said.
The author, whose book has sold 32 million copies in 109 countries and has been translated into 51 languages, delivered a speech to the crowd before joining the parade.
He said that as a veteran, his battle continues in the field of education.
“I fight for education, the freedom of education, and let’s keep our education capitalist, not Marxist,” he said.
Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general, said he shares a personal connection with Kiyosaki.
“We were roommates in Vietnam, flew together,” he said of Kiyosaki. “We’ve been friends for over 50 years.”
In an interview with The Epoch Times, Bergman said it’s essential for Americans to learn about patriotism and the sacrifices veterans have made for this country.
“I was raised in a family where patriotism was right next to godliness and faith,” Bergman said. “We only exist because of the fact that our people, over generations, over centuries, have been willing to fight for what is right. That’s why it’s so important. The next generations somehow need to understand it.”
Bergman, who has represented Michigan’s First Congressional District since 2017, won reelection in the Nov. 3 elections.
Message From the President
The annual day to remember veterans started in 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson named Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day. At first, it was a day to honor veterans of World War I. In 1954, after World War II, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In a video message, President Donald Trump honored Veterans Day.
“I want to wish the veterans a happy Veterans Day. You’re the greatest people on earth, the best in the world, the greatest people. Thank you very much. I love you all,” the president said.
Last year, Trump announced that he would change the name of Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I.”
‘Legacy Parade’
The National Veterans Parade event began with a ceremony at the National Archives at 11 a.m., then moved down Constitution Avenue to the White House starting at noon.
The nearly three-hour parade featured marching bands, colorful floats, military vehicles, American flag carriers, and pageant winners. Veterans’ groups and other organizations from across the country took part in the celebration.
The event was hosted by the National Veterans Parade Foundation, a nonprofit formed to promote veteran service organizations.
According to Francis Ventura, executive director of the National Veterans Parade Foundation, this year’s parade included veterans from every era, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard were all represented.
Ahead of the event, Ventura told The Epoch Times that nearly 160 units were expected to participate this year, including 16 active-duty military ceremonial and performing units, nearly 30 veterans service organizations, between 25 and 30 marching bands, and multiple Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units, among others.
“Our goal is to create a legacy parade because it always should be a parade for our veterans,” Ventura said. “And it’s not just a parade; it’s a recognition.”
This year, the foundation also held its first National Veterans Parade 5K run. The 3.1-mile race started on Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. at the National Archives and followed the same route as the parade.
In an interview with The Epoch Times before the event, Kiyosaki said that serving in the Marine Corps was one of the best decisions of his life.
“I’m really glad I went,” he said. “I learned. I grew up, and now I’m the grand marshal? You got to be kidding me.”
After receiving military flight training, Kiyosaki was deployed to Vietnam as a helicopter gunship pilot. He said he “went down three times” in his helicopter while serving in Vietnam.
Challenges Facing Veterans
Both Ventura and Kiyosaki said American veterans face significant challenges after serving their country.
Some of the challenges veterans face are connected.
Ventura said mental health is a major challenge for veterans, with post-traumatic stress disorder being prevalent, and suicide even more so.
Veteran suicide, especially among young veterans who have fought in conflicts over the past two decades, is “the biggest issue,” he noted. Kiyosaki said another issue facing American veterans is homelessness.
One of the solutions in helping veterans overcome mental health struggles is getting legislation approved to address the issue, Ventura said. In addition, he underscored the importance of prevention efforts and treatment both during and after military service.
“It’s the families that suffer, and … the biggest thing is supporting them and preventing it,” he said.
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