National Memorial Day Parade
Go to the parade’s homepage www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com
The 2010 Parade begins at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 31st; and is scheduled to last approximately two hours. Pre-Parade ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 1:15.
Parade route is on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW. Pre-Parade ceremonies will be held across from the National Archives at 7th and Constitution.
History
The parade began in 2005 after a period of nearly 70 years in which our nation’s capital was without a parade on Memorial Day. Parades on Memorial Day have been a tradition in cities and towns across America for well over a century. Sadly, many have been fading away in recent times, as the older generation of veterans age and are unable to organize them. For these reasons, we think it is important that this tradition continues in the nation’s capital, not only for the city, but to serve as a major event for the nation.
The parade grew tremendously in its first years, drawing nearly 300,000 spectators since 2007. Additionally, the parade has been televised since 2008 and is already the largest Memorial Day event in the nation, a testament to the public’s desire to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom on that sacred day. The 2010 parade is scheduled for Monday, May 31 at 2:00 PM along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW.
Photos of the 2010 National Memorial Day Parade
The parade itself is organized as a marching timeline of American military history, with tributes to and veterans from every generation of military men and women. Also included are tributes to those serving today, as we seek to provide an opportunity for Americans of all ages to honor the current generation. Also, each year the parade focuses special attention on a different branch of the military. In 2007, it was the Air Force on its 60th Anniversary. In 2008, the Army and the Army Reserve. In 2009 the parade saluted the United States Navy. This year, the parade will be honoring the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.
The parade is a special event, with thousands of participants from marching bands and veterans groups to celebrities such as actors Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, and WWII veterans Mickey Rooney and Ernest Borgnine.
