Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams was honoured as the Grand Marshal of New York’s 107th annual Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the service and sacrifices of former military personnel.
The retired US Navy captain led a procession of around 20,000 participants along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Wednesday (local time), joining veterans and Americans from across the country in commemorating their contributions.
Calling the role an ‘incredible honour’, Williams said her time in the Navy had shaped her character and prepared her for the challenges that followed. She further expressed pride in honouring veterans from every generation for their service, sacrifice and commitment.
The parade featured thousands of former military personnel, along with contingents from the armed forces, local law enforcement agencies, community organisations and schools.
Several marching bands and corporate floats showcasing former military personnel working for different companies formed part of the event.
Williams attended the US Marine Corps’ 251st anniversary celebrations aboard the USS San Antonio ahead of the parade.
A former Navy test pilot, Sunita Williams completed three space missions, spending 608 days in space. She holds the women’s record for nine spacewalks, totalling 62 hours.
In 2024, Williams planned eight-day Starliner mission to the International Space Station extended to nine months due to technical issues.
SpaceX’s Crew-9 eventually brought her and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore back to Earth.
Daughter of Indian-American parents, Williams carried the Bhagavad Gita to the ISS in 2006 and the Upanishads in 2012.
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