National
Memorial Day Parade to feature actor Gary Sinise,
U.S. Air Force Band and veterans from all
branches of military
WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The American Veterans Center again presents the
annual National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May
28, at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue.
The parade features Honorary Marshal actor Gary
Sinise, (best known for
his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and current
star of TV's "CSI New
York"). The
Grand Marshals are a contingent of wounded
heroes from
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
The
Honorary Marshal for WWI is Frank Buckles -- one
of the last living American veterans of "The
Great War."
Leading the parade is the U.S. Air Force band
and the marching band
from Washington, DC's Eastern High School.
Other highlights along with floats, military
vehicles and active duty
military, include:
* The parade commemorates the 60th
Anniversary of the United States Air Force
with an Air Force flyover in the "Missing Man
Formation" during a National Moment of
Remembrance at 3 p.m. when the parade will halt
for one minute.
*
Veterans of the "Band of Brothers," E. Company
of the 506th Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne
Division of World War II, made famous by the HBO
miniseries by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
* Tuskegee Airmen, pioneers who formed the
first unit of black fighter pilots during World
War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were recently
awarded Congressional Gold Medals by President
George W. Bush for their heroic service.
* Singer Pat Boone performs his tribute song
to the National Guard called "For My Country"
prior to the start of the parade.
* Parade announcer is Adrian Cronauer, the
famed Vietnam disc jockey portrayed by Robin
Williams in the movie, Good Morning, Vietnam!
*
Several of the "Doolittle Raiders." 65
years ago, sixteen American
B-25s, led by Jimmy Doolittle, undertook
a daring bombing mission
against Japan. The raid was a morale
boost to the country, reeling
from the attack at Pearl Harbor.
Included is Doolittle's co-pilot, Lt.
Col. Richard E. Cole.
