The National Memorial Day Parade takes place annually in Washington, D.C., and exists to pay tribute to America's Veterans and our Honored War Dead from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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, after a long absence, a parade returned to Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day to coincide 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. Anthony A. Williams, former Mayor of Washington, D.C., was so moved by this parade that he was instrumental in reinstating it as an annual event in conjunction with the American Veterans Center and Music Celebrations International.
Now, every year on Memorial Day, this three-hour parade passes alongside 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. The parade consists of select marching bands and veteran units from each of the 50 states 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 are also part of the procession. More than 10,000 participants take part in the parade each year.
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 and the Military Channel
- Veteran participation from recent national and global conflicts, including World War II, The Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, the Gulf War, and the liberation of Afghanistan and Iraq
- The Parade consists of marching bands and veteran units from each of the 50 states
- More than 10,000 participants take part in the parade each year
- The Parade is a free and open public event
