My Myopic View of the National Memorial Day Parade

I understand that a lot of you would have loved to have seen the National Memorial Day parade go down Constitution Ave, and I certainly will try to give you a bit of the experience. But unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), I was also marching in said parade with a veterans contingent, so pictures are somewhat limited. I got the ones I thought were the most important.

Why this one? Because this is Bryan Anderson, with his service dog Maya, an Iraq War veteran and triple amputee, representing USA Cares, a nonprofit that works to help out post 9/11 veterans. That’s also Miss America and a handmaiden on the float next to him, which I understand some people may care about. Back to Bryan, however, he’s apparently working on a book, which you can pre-order on Amazon. If you’re thinking of reading a book, you could certainly do a lot worse.

There was also a Kuwait float, thanking Gulf War veterans. You know, the ones that don’t get a lot of credit because of the shortness of their war. Well, here’s some folks who were kind of glad that the US military stomped through the way they did.

Actually, I was quite impressed by the amount of foreign military showing up to thank the American military that died in their countries fighting for them. It’s especially surprising given the amount of people who say that no one ever wanted us there. Somebody’s got to be wrong, and I only have photographic evidence for one position. Just saying.

Also the obligatory adorable kids supporting their military by participating in this parade. Which honestly, I think is incredible. So many schools barely teach about the military at all, and so the kids growing up don’t know anything about names that were household names when I was a kid. But despite all that, they showed up and were relatively cheerful in all the heat.

Most impressive of all was the cheers and applause from the people on both sides of the parade route. Sure, they cheered for the impressive displays, and many of them seemed to just be enjoying the scenery…but when active duty military and veterans came through, the majority of the people cheered with all their heart. I only wish I could have photographed all the “Welcome home” and “Thank you” signs I saw. Or the elderly veterans that dragged themselves out in the blistering heat and still made sure to salute the flag and to support the newer veterans who were there.

I have to say, though, recent vets: we’re looking a little sparse at these things. I know a few veterans groups marched, and so did IAVA, but in only tiny numbers. I know there’s more of you just in the DC area alone. Next year, maybe consider participating. We can’t expect the older generation to carry these things forever.

Also, if you come, I promise to buy you a beer. I know what currency everyone favors.

Further pictures can be found over at Lilyea’s stream here, and thanks go to him for taking photos sent from my cell phone and making them internet-friendly.

Category: Politics