Retired NASA astronaut Suni Williams honored as Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal

Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Sunita "Suni" Williams served as the Grand Marshal of New York City's 107th annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2026. Riding in a convertible down Fifth Avenue, Williams was celebrated for her dual legacy of military service and space exploration, joining the parade's traditional procession of veterans, active-duty personnel, and community groups.

Williams brings a remarkable background to the honor, having accumulated 608 days in space during her NASA career, the second-highest total for an American astronaut. Her extensive Navy service, spanning from ensign to captain, included roles as a naval aviator, diving officer, and helicopter combat support pilot, exemplifying the strong historical link between the U.S. armed forces and the astronaut corps. This event highlights how public recognition bridges the worlds of military valor and space exploration.