WWII Veterans To Headline 2024 National Memorial Day Parade As D-Day 80th Anniversary Approaches

The American Veterans Center (AVC) has officially announced the much-anticipated return of the National Memorial Day Parade, with Boeing as its presenting sponsor. This significant event is set to unfold on Constitution Avenue, amidst the historic backdrop of the National Mall's iconic monuments. Scheduled for Monday, May 27th, 2024, the parade will kick off at 2 pm, following musical performances that begin at 1 pm.

This year's parade holds special significance as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6th. Leading the procession will be the surviving heroes of World War II, symbolizing the 16 million Americans who served and the 400,000 who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The parade will feature veterans from D-Day, the war in Europe, U.S. Navy and Marines from the Pacific theater, and members of ‘The Mighty 8th Air Force,’ recently highlighted in "Masters of the Air."

AVC President Tim Holbert expressed his honor in having these pivotal figures lead the parade. "Today marks a one-month countdown to the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We are privileged to have heroes from this critical era spearhead this year's parade," Holbert stated. He emphasized that these veterans represent the quintessential American values of service and sacrifice, joining together to honor their fallen comrades on this sacred day.

The National Memorial Day Parade stands as the nation's largest Memorial Day event. It serves as a living timeline of American history, featuring historical re-enactors, military veterans, active duty personnel, and soon-to-be-announced celebrities and entertainers. This collective tribute honors and salutes those who sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom.

Darrin Hostetler, Boeing Chief Compliance Officer and U.S. veteran, shared his pride in supporting this tribute. "On behalf of The Boeing Company, we are honored to support this powerful tribute to our fallen service members," Hostetler remarked. He praised the AVC for its dedication and ongoing support to veterans.

For two decades, this parade has attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the country. Spectators line Constitution Avenue to catch a glimpse of America's heroes in action. Additionally, a television special will broadcast the parade nationally across major network affiliates (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW) and worldwide on the American Forces Network. This broadcast aims to reach over 100 million households.

Further details regarding participating celebrities, dignitaries, and musical acts will be disclosed shortly. For updates, follow @AVCUpdate on ‘X’ and visit NationalMemorialDayParade.com. The AVC also invites individuals to join its renowned YouTube channel where America's heroes share their stories intimately.