Subscribe

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Veterans took to the National Mall on Sunday, October 13, 2013, to protest politicians using veterans as pawns and the closing of the memorial.

The event, though named Million Vet March on the Memorials, drew about 300 people to the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m., despite rain and a chill in the air.

It also drew polarizing politicians Sarah Palin and Ted Cruz, who gave short speeches. Palin left the center of the crowd afterwards to mingle with the veterans.

Veterans from several wars attended the protest, including Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korean, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many brought signs, but more brought flags and were decorated in patches.

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now