When I arrived in downtown Media on parade morning, the usual weekend calm felt different. Families were lining the sidewalks early, veterans adjusted their uniforms, and volunteers finished last-minute preparations along State Street. You could sense people slowing down, chatting with neighbors, and waiting for the first drumbeat to echo down the block.
For a town that takes pride in honoring its service members, this parade carries more weight than just tradition. As flags were raised and marching groups took their places, the community gathered for a moment that brought everyone a little closer, marking the start of a day dedicated to gratitude and remembrance.
Veterans Day 2025 PA Parade: Key Details & Participants
The 66th Veterans Day Parade in Media, PA, was an incredible display of patriotism and community spirit. I arrived early along State Street and immediately noticed the crowd’s energy. The grand marshal this year was Ed Buffman, a 100-year-old Navy veteran of World War II. I watched as he waved to the spectators, and it struck me how much presence and history one person could carry.
As the parade got underway, I saw veterans’ organizations, first responders, marching bands, scout troops, and community groups all making their way down the street. A motorcycle contingent of Vietnam War veterans roared past, earning loud cheers from the crowd. Classic cars and fire trucks followed, each carrying honored veterans and local dignitaries.
From the first drumbeat to the final march past the reviewing stand, I felt the unity and pride of the community. Watching veterans and residents alike, I realized just how much this parade means. It’s not just to honor the past, but to bring everyone together today.
Parade Day Atmosphere in Media
As I walked down State Street on parade day, I could feel the whole town coming alive with pride, gratitude, and a sense of togetherness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Early Morning Buzz
When I arrived on State Street early in the morning, the crisp fall air was filled with a lively excitement. Red, white, and blue banners draped the lampposts, and the storefronts joined in with flags and decorated windows. Families were staking out spots along the sidewalks, kids perched on shoulders, waving miniature flags as if they had been practicing all week.
Sounds of Celebration
As the parade began, the steady beat of drums filled the air. Cheers from the crowd added to the excitement. In the distance, the sound of bagpipes could be heard. Together, it created a soundtrack that made the whole town feel alive.
I stopped to talk to a veteran in uniform who was greeting attendees—he told me it was his first time marching for a few years, and he seemed genuinely moved by the turnout. North Catholic Alumni celebrated Veterans Day in their own way. Protestant Home honored veterans and held an annual Veterans Day lunch.
Visual Highlights
Classic cars rumbled past, wreaths gleamed in the sunlight, and banners announcing local veterans’ achievements caught my eye at every corner. Teenagers from local schools passed out programs and waved to neighbors, their pride evident in every gesture.
I could feel a shared sense of pride across generations: grandparents pointing out old friends, parents teaching kids to salute, and everyone pausing together during moments of silence. This parade has endured for 66 years. It’s as much about community as it is about honoring service.
Stories From Veterans & Families
As I walked along State Street, I stopped to chat with a few veterans who had just finished marching. One older gentleman told me he’s been attending the parade for over 40 years, and that each year brings back memories of friends he served with. I could see the pride in his eyes, but also the quiet reflection of what those years meant to him.
I noticed parents pointing out details to their kids, grandparents proudly wearing service pins, and children waving small flags with excitement. I asked a mother why she brought her two young sons, and she smiled: “I want them to understand what service and sacrifice really mean.” Moments like that made the energy of the parade feel both celebratory and deeply personal.
I watched a young veteran lay a wreath near the main stage. Nearby, a couple whispered to each other, clearly sharing a memory of someone they’d lost. These small human interactions reminded me that while the parade is colorful and lively. It’s also about remembrance, respect, and community pride. You could see it in the way people paused, took photos, or simply stood silently as the Taps played.
Ceremony & Tributes at the End of the Parade
As the Veterans Day 2025 PA procession comes to a close, the ceremony shifts into a reflective moment that feels just as meaningful as the major gatherings like the parade in Philadelphia today.
Formal Remembrance & Wreath-Laying
After the last float passed, I followed the crowd to the small memorial area at the end of the parade route. I watched as local veterans carefully laid wreaths, their movements precise and respectful. You could feel the mood shift immediately. The playful energy of cheering children and waving flags gave way to quiet reflection.
Speeches From Leaders & Families
I spoke briefly with a volunteer who told me the speeches would honor both veterans and Gold Star families. When the mayor began speaking, I noticed people straightening up, removing hats, and listening intently. A few veterans standing nearby nodded solemnly, and some children held miniature flags they’d waved just moments before.
Moment of Silence & Taps
As Taps played, I felt a lump in my throat. The crowd fell completely silent, the only sound the crisp autumn wind through the trees. These moments are carefully coordinated so that everyone—marchers, spectators, and organizers—can pause together. Even after decades, the effect is still powerful.
From Festive to Reflective
I asked a local resident what this part of the parade meant to her. She said it reminded her why they come back every year—not for the floats or the bands, but to honor those who served. Watching families, veterans, and friends stand together, I understood. This ceremony turns a joyful celebration into something much deeper: a shared moment of gratitude and remembrance.
Local Businesses & Community Engagement
On State Street, I noticed cafés and shops decked out in red, white, and blue. Many had special parade-day offerings like themed pastries, coffee specials, and discounts for veterans. It really added to the festive, community-focused vibe.
I spoke briefly with one shop owner who told me they donate a portion of their parade-day sales to local veterans’ organizations. Several other stores had collection boxes or were handing out small thank-you gifts to veterans in the crowd. Nearby, Oxley Post 133 hosted a car show and free haircuts for veterans.
The sidewalks were buzzing with families stopping in for hot drinks, residents chatting with each other, and tourists exploring the small shops. Watching people flow in and out made me realize how the parade doesn’t just honor veterans; it also brings the whole town together, turning Media into a lively, walkable hub for Veterans Day.
Why the Parade Matters to Media, PA
For me, the Veterans Day 2025 PA celebration in Media feels just as meaningful as watching the big parade in Philadelphia today, reminding me why this tradition means so much to the town.
A Deeply Rooted Tradition
I’ve seen the streets of Media come alive every Veterans Day, and it’s clear how much this parade means to the town. Walking along State Street, I couldn’t help but notice the flags, banners, and families who return year after year—it’s a celebration that blends civic pride with heartfelt remembrance.
Strengthening Community Bonds
As I watched neighbors greeting one another, chatting with veterans, and cheering together, I realized how the parade strengthens community ties. People from all walks of life—longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors—come together, sharing a common purpose: honoring those who served.
Honoring Service Members
I spoke with a few veterans along the route who told me how meaningful it is to see their peers, families, and the next generation show respect. The parade is more than a spectacle; it’s a living tribute to local service members, past and present.
A Tradition That Endures
I’ve read that this parade has been held for 66 years, weathering wars, economic changes, and societal shifts. Seeing it unfold in person, it’s easy to understand why traditions like this matter—they create a shared identity, a sense of continuity, and pride in the town’s history.
Cultural Significance
From start to finish, the parade reminded me that events like this are the heartbeat of Media, PA. It’s a day where history, community, and respect for service come together, leaving everyone—residents and visitors alike—with a sense of connection and belonging.
Visitor Tips for Watching the Parade
I arrived early on State Street to catch the 66th Veterans Day 2025 PA Parade and the excitement was already building with every marching band and waving flag.
Choosing a Spot
I found that the best viewing spots along State Street are near the intersections of Orange and State or around the Media Borough Hall. I asked a few locals where they usually stand, and they recommended arriving early to claim a good position—especially if you want to see the marching bands up close.
Parking & Transit
If you’re driving, I noticed street parking fills quickly, so I parked in a nearby garage a few blocks away. The staff told me it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the parade route. Alternatively, taking SEPTA or the Media/Elwyn line is easy, and you can avoid the stress of finding a spot entirely. You can use SEPTA’s official site to plan your trip.
Accessibility & Family-Friendly Tips
I saw several families with strollers and people using mobility aids navigating the sidewalks without trouble. Bathrooms are available in cafés along the route, and many restaurants open early for parade-goers. Kids seemed happiest near the front, where they could see the floats and wave flags with the marching bands.
Where to Eat Afterwards
After the parade, I stopped at a local café recommended by a shop owner—great coffee and pastries. There are plenty of small restaurants nearby if you want to make a full day of it, from classic diner fare to cozy brunch spots.
History of the Veterans Day Parade in Media
I’ve always been fascinated by how long the Media’s Veterans Day Parade has been a part of the town’s traditions. The 66th parade marks more than six decades of honoring service members, and walking the route, you can see how it has evolved. The route has shifted slightly over the years, and local veterans’ groups now play a bigger role, alongside marching bands, scout troops, and civic organizations.
Compared to other regional parades, the Media feels especially close-knit—residents really turn out to support it. Seeing it year after year, I understand why the town holds this parade with such pride and consistency.
Closing Reflection
Watching the Veterans Day 2025 PA Parade, I couldn’t help but feel the way it brings the entire Media community together each year. There’s a perfect balance between celebration and solemn remembrance, from the marching bands and cheering crowds to the quiet moments honoring veterans.
I spoke with a few locals who said this tradition has been a highlight for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Experiencing it in person left me grateful for the town’s dedication and legacy. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend attending a future parade or finding ways to support local veterans.
