Memorial Day

Since the restoration of the National Memorial Day Parade in 2005, there was no parade to commemorate Memorial Day in our nation’s capitol since before WWII – 69 years ago!

The folks on Capitol Hill thought this parade would be “too political” and that was the reason the parade went unheard and forgotten. The American Veterans Center thought this was wrong. Congress declared the last Monday in May a national holiday by passing the National Holiday Act of 1971. Though, Memorial Day was officially declared on May 5 1868.

After only operating for six years the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. now draws over 350,000 cheering patriots, veterans and Americans as over 5,000 participants in the parade march down Constitution Ave. This year is expected to be even greater! A nation comes together on this day to remember and share the loyalties of their loved ones who died to preserve the liberty we enjoy today.

Teaching younger generations about the meaning of Memorial Day plays an important role in the purpose of the National Memorial Day Parade.

The parade’s moving time line showcases the sacrifices of all who have served from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan, with a grand finale that consists of hundreds of active duty troops.
We thank our troops who served in conflicts as recent as those in the Middle East, to the men and women who fought in past wars.