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.