Thousands of Washingtonians, veterans and tourists descended on the District on Memorial Day Monday to pay tribute to American troops who fought for their country and who are still waging war abroad. In one of the most red-white-and-blue days of the year, soldiers marched in seamless lines down Constitution Avenue as Humvees paraded before thousands of onlookers waving American flags to the patriotic sounds of marching bands and bagpipes.
Set against the backdrop of the National Mall, many called the atmosphere an awe-inspiring scene reserved for the heart of the nation’s capital.
“This event just makes me so proud; I’m going to choke up,” said Marty Poole of Scotts Bluff, Neb., a former Marine who served three tours in Vietnam. “When I came back from war, I’m not going to lie — we weren’t treated so great. I can’t tell you how much it means, how much it boosts morale and changes the outlook for those fighting to get a reception like this.”
Spectators flocked to shade on a sweltering day and gave respectful applause to veterans from each branch of the military, saving their loudest cheers for the first responders and family members of those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and onboard Flight 93 during the Sept. 11 attacks.
“We just wanted to say thank you,” said Gaithersburg’s Nancy Henderson, reflecting on her first visit to the District for Memorial Day. “It’s a small token but the least we can do is show up to support all these heroes.”
American flags graced hats, umbrellas, shoes, socks, sunglasses and anything else that could hold the Stars and Stripes ?– including the chests of a few pasty men yet to tone their summer tans.
An assortment of famous figures, including “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak and astronaut Buzz Aldrin, participated in the national parade sponsored by The Washington Examiner.
Away from the spectacle, St. Louis resident Dave Roberts was focused on the more than 58,000 names adorning the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He said he flew to D.C. on a whim over the holiday weekend, wanting to honor a close friend who died in Afghanistan earlier this year.
“A few years ago, this would have meant nothing to me,” he said, holding back tears. “It’s almost impossible to grasp all those names and their ultimate sacrifice. I know I’ll never take it for granted again.”
