The Spirit of Õ76 El Dorado rolls down Constitution Ave. during the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Bands played, soldiers marched and vintage military vehicles rolled down Constitution Avenue on Monday to mark the 20th National Memorial Day Parade in Washington.
The annual tribute drew participants from across the country, including high school marching bands, ROTC programs, veterans service organizations and honor guards from all branches of the U.S. military. Spectators lined the sidewalks, waving American flags as the procession made its way past the National Archives.
This year’s event also featured Medal of Honor recipients, military reenactors and appearances by active-duty personnel, underscoring the enduring connection between past and present service members.
The United States Army Band marches during the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
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A riderless horse from the US Army’s Old Guard, with boots facing backward in the stirrups to honor the warrior who will never ride again marches in the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
The statue Guardianship watches the parade in front of the National Archives during the The National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A man dressed in a WWI military uniform marches in the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
The Newton High School Sound Factory Marching Band performs during the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A baton twirler from Wyandanch Memorial High School in Wyandanch, NY practices before The National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the Memorial Day Festival Chorus listen to the Star-Spangled Banner before the start of The National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A WWII veteran waves to spectators during the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A member of the Peninsula School District NJROTC prepares to march before the start of The National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A man from the Code of Support Foundation poses for a picture at the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A woman in a patriotic dress rests before the start of The National Memorial Day Parade, Sunday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Col. Theodore Roosevelt marches during the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the Gary Sinise Foundation march during the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Dancers perform during the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Children wave American flags behind a barricade during the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard practice before the start of the National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Children use each other to rest against on before the the National Memorial Day Parade. Monday, May 26, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
