Memorial Day Parades are held across the country each year. On Memorial Day, service men and women of the U.S. armed forces are paid tribute and honored for their sacrifices. Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May of each year.
In 2009, Memorial Day falls on May 25th. One of the largest parades is the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.
National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade takes place each year in Washington, DC. In 2007, nearly 250,000 watched the parade and actor Gary Sinise served as the Honorary Marshal. In 2008, the Grand Marshals were "Today's Heroes," a group of decorated veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The National Memorial Day Parade is a tradition that dates back about 70 years.Official Site: The National Memorial Day Parade
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May
-
Memorial Day 2009
May 25
-
The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, begins at 2
00 p.m. on May 25, 2009
-
Fact:
Many towns and cities across the U.S. celebrate Memorial Day with parades
-
Fact:
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John LoganThe Grant Tribune Sentinel: History of Memorial Day (May 20, 2008)
-
First observed
-
Fact:
First state to officially recognize Memorial Day was New York in 1873The Grant Tribune Sentinel: History of Memorial Day (May 20, 2008)
