By Steve Jeffries<\/p>\n
Philadelphia’s veterans will take center stage at City Hall on Wednesday as Vet Fest 2026<\/a> brings together live music, food trucks, community organizations and resources to honor those who served.<\/p>\n A partnership with the Office of Veterans Affairs, Vet Fest 2026 celebrates military members and their families, and the organizations who help support service members. The event is part of the wider Wawa Welcome America 250<\/a> celebrations.<\/p>\n The formal programming will be held at City Hall\u2019s north apron starting at 11 a.m. Those making remarks include Pennsylvania State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Mayor Cherelle Parker, and Council President Kenyatta Johnson.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nearly 40 veterans will be presented with awards recognizing their service in the military and their continued service in their communities, according to Kathryn Kirkman, Chief of Staff at the Office of Veterans Affairs<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were actually selected by the City Council members themselves,\u201d explained Kirkman. \u201cThey were able to select about two veterans from their community and district that they\u2019re aware of that are active in the veteran community or their own neighborhoods, providing a variety of services and continuing that mission of service to others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The event will feature over 50 vendors and organizations that provide resources and assistance to veterans and their families and dependents. Several vet-focused organizations will also be recognized for their work in the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n Organizations in attendance include VetsinTech<\/a>, which supports service members and spouses by providing programs and opportunities focused on education and employment in technology.<\/p>\n Gregory Wright, Director of Veterans Affairs, said in an interview with WDAS<\/a> FM that the event is a way to recognize veterans who often don\u2019t feel seen, particularly those who served in the Vietnam War, and to alert them to resources provided by the Office of Veterans Affairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt allows for veterans to help file claims, help file the real estate tax exemption, for those who qualify, and to be able to get other benefits that they may not know about,\u201d said Wright.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The rain or shine event is free to the public and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music will be provided by the Legendary Blue Notes, Phillies Intruders, and the Urban Guerilla Orchestra<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kirkman says she hopes the event will help spread the word out about Philadelphia\u2019s large veteran community of over 60,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a fourth generation veteran myself,\u201d said Kirkman. \u201cWe want to work with other organizations to spread the word about what it is we do in this office, and how we can assist folks and get more veterans connected here in Philly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n