New York City - Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families had the opportunity to view one of New York's legendary traditions, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, from a prime perch overlooking Times Square at a special champagne brunch hosted by Los Angeles philanthropist, arts patron and injured vets activist Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets. The veterans, their spouses and children had an eye-popping view as the balloons passed by the windows. For many it was their first time seeing the parade.

Gracyn Hope Seydler and dad Sgt. Major James Mark Seydler.

There were squeals of delight when such familiar figures as Snoopy, Shrek and Spiderman flew by - within almost arm's reach. For the older kids it was Kanye West that had them pressed to the windowpanes. But the biggest thrill of them all was to have their fathers home for the holidays.

For the last three years, Kennedy, a long time patron of dance has successfully bought at auction at the Career Transitions For Dancers Annual Jubilee, the brunch to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from their offices overlooking Times Square.

As she has done with Career Transitions For Dancers Jubilee Gala, her guests were not captains of industry but America's most devastatingly wounded warriors. Kennedy says, "They never got a parade when they came home so Step Up 4 Vets and Macy's is saying 'Thank you' for your service on Thanksgiving Day.".

Alexander Dube, Executive Director Of Career Transition for Dancers and his staff turned their conference into a balloon and toy filled romper room for the children who wrote notes to Santa or messages of peace on balloons which they later tossed out the window when Santa passed by.

Enjoying the brunch buffet.

It was hard to tell who was enjoying the morning affair more - the children or Kennedy and the rest of the adults. The veterans and their families enjoyed a lavish brunch buffet of champagne, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, bagels and pastries.

Many of the vets are part of The Warrior Transition Unit at West Point's Keller Army Medical Center and from IAVA, (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). Kennedy launched Step Up 4 Vets in 2008 to partner in the transition of injured veterans as they readjust, rebuild and redirect their lives.

Among the guests were numerous real life heroes. Capt. Scotty Smiley, the U.S. Army's first blind active-duty officer, was blinded by a VBIED (vehicle based improvised explosive device) on April 6, 2005. Scotty has written an inspirational book "Hope Unseen." He now commands the Warrior Transition Unit at West Point's Keller Army Medical Center. Scotty attended with his wife Tiffany, their sons Graham and Grady; his brothers Stephen Smiley and his brother Major Neal Smiley, formerly with the Army Special Forces, with his wife and children.

Major Marco Bongioanni who did two tours in Iraq among other places around the world attended with his mother and girlfriend Elli Papadopoulos. Marco is working on his Masters in Mental Health.

Former Army Chinook helicopter pilot, Major Jake Miller was on hand with his wife,Amanda and their two young children. Master Sergeant Christopher R. Rodriguez with over 19 years of service has been deployed to some of the word's most incendiary hotspots - Bosnia, Kuwait, Kosovo and three tours in Iraq was thrilled to be reunited with his wife Christine and their children Katherine, Austin and Madison for the holidays.

The Little Drummer Girl.

Sergeant Major James Mark Seydler with 20 plus years of active service in the First Gulf War, three tours of Afghanistan and humanitarian operations during Hurricane Andrew was happy to be spending time with his wife and children, including two year old daughter Gracyn Hope at her very first Thanksgiving Day Parade. Much decorated Sergeant First Class, Special Forces, U.S. Army Kurt C. Horstman was toasted by his mother, sisters and brother-in-law, indeed the whole assemblage. Horstman has been awarded the Bronze Star, Special Force Tab, Combat Military Badge, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal amongst others.

Former Civil Affairs Sergeant, Jason Hansman was deployed in Mosul, Iraq 2004-2005 and now works with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America as the Online Community Manager responsible for maintaining and growing Community of Veterans, the first and largest social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. IAVA founder Paul Reickhoff, his staff and Colonel John Christian assisted Kennedy in setting up arrangements for the families to attend, many who came from as far away as Virginia for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For Kennedy it was a special joy as she believes deeply in the restorative powers of of such experiences to help re-establish normalcy in lives disrupted by war. She founded Step Up 4 Vets to help injured Vets transition to civilian life. She designed the Peace One Earth medallion in 2008 to honor their service and sacrifice. In recognition of her enormous charitable efforts and philanthropy she was invested Dame of Merit with Star in the Scared Military Constantinian Order of St George.

Patricia Kennedy and children watch parade.