American flags are passed out to the crowd during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Marchers in ponchos, veterans and classic cars rolled down Constitution Avenue on Monday during the National Memorial Day Parade as rain and low clouds shrouded the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument.
Despite the weather, marching bands, JROTC units, veterans organizations and patriotic floats moved through downtown Washington while spectators gathered under umbrellas along the parade route.
Giant American flags hung above the avenue from ladder trucks as participants commemorated military service members who died in service to the country.
The National Memorial Day Parade is known as the largest Memorial Day remembrance in the United States, honoring the nation’s fallen heroes from the American Revolution to today.
Members of Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) marches during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Attendees watch the parade participants during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
USAF band “Max Impact” performs during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A WWII veteran looks to the crowd during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Marines march during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Ed Purcell, a retired Marine sergeant, waves his American flag during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A member of the color guard from Tennessee High School’s Mighty Viking Band in Bristol, Tenn., practices before the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the New Diana High School marching band, from Diana, TX, march during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the Everett Crimson Tide Marching Band of Everett, Mass., march during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A member of the Lancaster County Navy Club prepares to join the parade during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A Cadillac Eldorado rolls toward Constitution Ave. during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln impersonators chat before the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Uncle Sam dashes across Constitution Ave. during the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 25, 2026. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
