Astronaut Suni Williams to lead NYC Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue Nov. 11

Retired Navy captain and NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams will be at the front of this year’s Veterans Day march in New York City, serving as its grand marshal. Marchers leave Fifth Avenue at 26th Street at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The United War Veterans Council picked her for the honor and announced the choice on Tuesday. The timing was deliberate enough to notice: the announcement landed on the same day the U.S. Navy marked its 251st anniversary.

Williams flew aboard several space missions, so her selection pairs a career in uniform with one in orbit. She said that taking on the role and marching alongside her fellow veterans is an “incredible honor.”

A second chance after last year’s government shutdown

This is not the first time the council has tapped Williams. She was set to lead last year’s parade as well, but the government shutdown kept her away. This year she gets the honor in a year that carries its own milestone for the country.

Mark Otto, a Marine Corps veteran who serves as the council’s president and executive director, said the group is “incredibly proud” to welcome her. He pointed out that this year’s parade coincides with the 250th birthday of the United States, and he said her record of service reflects the values the holiday exists to honor.

NYC Veterans Day Parade 2026: start time and location

The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, with the first marchers stepping off from Fifth Avenue at 26th Street in Manhattan. The announcement did not include the full route or other details for spectators.