How to Participate in the National Memorial Day Parade

The National Memorial Day Parade is a relatively new parade to mark Memorial Day in the nation's capital. While Memorial Day parades have occurred throughout the country since the inception of the holiday, the National Memorial Day Parade (presented by the American Veterans Center) just began in 2005. Despite its late start, however, hundreds of thousands of people march in and attend the parade annually. There are a number of ways you can participate in what has become a national tradition in a short time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Attend the National Memorial Day Parade

1. Make travel arrangements early if you plan to travel from out of town to Washington, D.C. for the Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day weekend is a busy travel time throughout the nation, but for Washington, D.C. it is particularly hectic as thousands of patriotic Americans flock to the Capital in honor of America's veterans.

2. Take the Metrorail to the parade route. This is the quickest and most efficient way to get to downtown Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day. Take the Archives/Navy Memorial stop if you are taking the Yellow or Green lines, and take either the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle stop if you are taking the Blue or Orange lines.

3. Stake out your viewing spot early if you want to get a front row spot. Starting at 2 p.m., the parade route travels west down Constitution Avenue from seventh to 17th Streets. The route has fluctuated slightly in the past, so consult the parade route map at the National Memorial Day Parade website (see Resources below).

Be a Part of the National Memorial Day Parade

4. Apply to march in the National Memorial Day Parade. Each year hundreds groups and thousands of people participate in the parade, including marching bands, veterans' groups, youth groups and others. Download an application at the National Memorial Day Parade website (see Resources below).

5. Volunteer to participate in the parade. Volunteers help with floats, carry banners and perform a wide variety of supportive services for the parade. Volunteers are an integral part of making the parade run smoothly, and they get a free t-shirt.

6. Sponsor the parade. Corporate sponsorship is an important part of the National Memorial Day Parade, and an excellent advertising opportunity for businesses. Besides being seen by the hundreds of thousands of attendees and the millions in the television broadcast audience, corporate sponsors enjoy VIP treatment at the parade and a host of other benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid driving in the downtown area on Memorial Day. There are dozens of street closures around downtown to prepare for the National Memorial Day Parade and other Memorial Day events.

Resources

• Route map and information for the National Memorial Day Parade
• Participation information from the National Memorial Day Parade website