The 2005 National Memorial Day Parade:
Plans announced for Washington, DC
Memorial Day Parade

Scheduled for Memorial Day, May 30, 2005, the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC is already taking shape, as sponsors and veterans groups from across the country are pledging their support in this unique effort.

In 2004, an ad hoc association of veterans groups joined together to organize a "Parade Salute to World War II Veterans" on Independence Avenue in Washington, DC. Mayor Anthony Williams served as Grand Marshall.

The three-hour parade proved so successful that the Mayor expressed his hope that this would become a yearly event. The newly formed Washington, DC Memorial Day Committee accepted this challenge, and now, for the first time since World War II, a Memorial Day parade will once again become an annual tradition in the Nation's Capital.

On Memorial Day, May 30, the parade will step off at 9 a.m. Passing in front of the United States Capitol, it will proceed down Independence Avenue 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 National Memorial Day Parade will feature marching bands from more than 20 states and 150 other units with veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the liberation of Grenada, Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Participating units include the World War II Flight Nurse Association, AMVETS National Commanders Honor Guard, the American WWII Orphans Network, Vietnam Veterans of America, ROC Veteran Association of Greater Washington, Jewish War Veterans, United States Coast Guard Academy, American Rosie the Riveter Association, National Association of Black Military Women, Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Tuskegee Airmen Inc, The American Legion, Women's Marines Association, the 99th Infantry Division, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Association, and the Young Marines.

Also to be featured are color guards and marching units representing all of the military services, Allied nations, military campaign organizations, and civic and service groups. Mayor Anthony Williams will once again serve as Grand Marshall and a number of military and civilian notables are expected to participate. Also, as was the case last year, numerous veterans organizations have indicated their interest in participating. As co-sponsors, managing the logistics for the parade will be Music Celebrations International of Phoenix, Arizona, and J.M. Best Entertainment of Los Angeles, California, the companies that manage the annual Cherry Blossom Parade and the Fourth of July Parade in Washington, DC.

The committee is actively seeking corporate and individual support for the parade. Sponsor benefits are available from James Roberts at 202-777-7272 ext. 215. For an application to march in the parade please contact Under the Sun Productions at 610-431-1121 or e-mail them at UnderSunPR@aol.com.

James C. Roberts, President of the World War II Veterans Committee, will serve as Chairman of the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Speaking of the parade, Roberts said, "A Memorial Day Parade has not been held in Washington, DC since World War II. I am delighted that our Committee is able to bring that great tradition back to the nation's capital as we give a much-deserved salute to all those who fought and died for our country over the past two centuries and more."