The National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. exists to pay tribute to America's Veterans and our Honored War Dead from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2008, the parade will serve to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the end of the American Revolution.
In this era of uncertainty and war, we realize more vividly how much our very freedoms rest on the courageous sacrifices of so many men and women throughout the course of our country’s history.
In 2004, the Memorial Day Parade returned to Washington D.C. after a long absence, coinciding with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. This outpouring of appreciation to the veterans of World War II spilled over to veterans of the more recent conflicts as well. Anthony A. Williams, former Mayor of Washington, D.C., was so moved by this parade that he was instrumental in reinstating this as an annual event in conjunction with the World War II Veterans Committee and Music Celebrations International.
Now, every year on Observed Memorial Day, the three-hour parade passes along side the National Mall on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets in a magnificent salute to America’s Veterans and in honor of those who died in defense of our country - from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Parade consists of outstanding marching bands from many of the 50 states and veterans units honoring World War I, War World II, The Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Desert Storm, and the liberation of Grenada, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. Large patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons will also be a part of procession. More than 10,000 participants are expected to take part in the parade annually.
Not merely an event for Washington, the National Memorial Day Parade is an event for the entire country—a major parade which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday: honoring those who have served, and died, to preserve our liberties.
Highlights:
- The purpose of the Parade is to both honor and pay tribute to all American veterans for their dedication and service to our country
- Television coverage provided by local affiliates (viewed by 4 million DC-Metro residents) and on Pentagon TV - broadcast to our troops around the globe
- Veteran participation from recent national and global conflicts, including both World Wars, The Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, through the liberation of Iraq
- The Parade will consist of marching bands and veterans units from many of the 50 states
- Large patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons will also be a part of procession
- More than 10,000 participants are expected to take part in the parade each year
- The Parade is a free public event
