You are on page 1of 16

Welcome to the 2012 National Memorial Day

Parade Presented by Boeing!


The American Veterans Center is honored to have the
privilege of organizing this event. Here at the Center, we
know that it is essential to honor and remember not only
the veterans we have here among us today but especially
the many men and women who have died while ghting for
our freedom.
This parade gives individuals fromall over our great nation
theopportunitytoexpresstheirgratitudetoourservicemenand
women of every generation. Over 3,000 individuals from
across the nation will be participating in the parade.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the individuals, companies and
foundations that have generously contributed to defray the nancial cost of this parade.
We could not do this without our sponsors!
A special thanks to the active duty and reserve troops, who are marching in the parade
today. We realize that they have given up a three-day weekend to be with us, and we
deeply appreciate their participation.
Finally, thank you to all those attending the National Memorial Day Parade for being
part of this tribute in our nations capital.
Enjoy the parade!
4"),*"
FROM JAMES C. ROBERTS
PRESIDENT, AMERICAN VETERANS CENTER
I am grateful to all those who have come from across the country
to participate in the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade. For many
Americans, Memorial Day is a welcome break from work, a time
for outdoor barbeques or a day at the beach. But today is rst
and foremost an opportunity for all Americans to come together and
pay tribute to all those who have fought and died in defense of our
freedom. It is a day to reect on the service and sacrice of these
heroes, and to honor those American families for whom Memorial
Day is another day of longing for their loved ones.
This Memorial Day, the American people pay particular tribute to
the generation who stepped forward after the attacks of September
11th, and volunteered to put their lives on the line in far-off lands
to protect our nation. Today, we remember the more than 6,400
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have paid the ultimate price for us to
live in safety over the last ten years of war. They and their families have paid a heavy price so that we
could be more secure, but because of their sacrice the torch of freedom burns bright. I am grateful
for groups like the American Veterans Center who work to make sure that their memory will endure.
Since taking this position, I have written hundreds of letters of condolence to the families of the
fallen. It is the hardest part of my job. There are no words that can heal, no sentences that can lessen
that loss. I keep the fallen and their families in my heart and in my prayers, and I tell those families
that their loved one died to give their fellowAmericans a better life. That is the price they paid for us.
Let us never forget them and what they have done for this country.
As we emerge from a decade of war, we must renew our pledge on this Memorial Day to do all we
can to ensure that the sacrices of our service members and their families are honored, and that
those who fell in battle are remembered. As Americans, that must be our charge and our sacred
mission not just on Memorial Day, but every day.
*"*,/&) !6 *"00$"
THE HONORABLE LEON E. PANETTA
U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY
PARADE
THE AMERICAN VETERANS CENTERS
PRESENTED BY
ADVERTISING FEATURE BY THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012 # 2:00 PM
Constitution Avenue Between 7th & 17th Streets NW # Washington, DC
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
At home
or abroad,
we salute
all of our
veterans.
To join our talented staff, visit
www.dimensionshealth.org
to view current opportunities
and submit an application*.
* Mention Washington Examiner' as source in application.
Prince Georges Hospital Center
Bowie Health Center
Laurel Regional Hospital
Assistant
Department Manager
OPENHOUSE
June 27, 2012
Register online at www.dimensionshealth.org
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
Newseum
HALF-PRICE
TICKETS
Memorial Day Discount
B
ring the whole family to the Newseum this holiday
weekend for a day of compelling historical stories, new
exhibits, interactive games and more! Dont miss Every
Four Years: Presidential Campaigns and the Press, which
takes you on the campaign trail from William McKinleys front
porch to the studios of Saturday Night Live. Test your social-
media savvy in the HP New Media Gallery. Go on a roller-coaster
ride through history in the I-Witness! 4-D experience. See
incredible displays including original sections of the Berlin Wall,
dramatic Pulitzer Prize Photos even the infamous Unabomber
cabin. Grab this great Memorial Day deal before it expires!
50% OFF
LIVING HISTORY
NEWSEUM
newseum.org
3HQQV\OYDQLD $YH 1: :DVKLQJWRQ '&
admission to
the Newseum
May 25-28
90040311
Bring this discount coupon and receive 50% off general
admission. Valid May 25-28, 2012, only. Discount applies
to adult, senior and youth admission only and cannot be
combined with other offers. Limit 4 per coupon.
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N3
May 28, 2012
As Mayor of the District of Columbia, I am pleased to extend greetings to the National Memorial Day Parade Committee on
the occasion of your Salute to Americas Veterans.
This event honors all military veterans and citizens on the home front and the nation at large. I thank you for dedicating your
time, talent, and energy to make ths occasion a continuing success. I salute all our veterans who have sacried their lives to
protect our country during wartime and peace. Your service and work is commended.
On behalf of all the residents of the District of Columbia, you have my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event.
Vincent C. Gray
Mayor, District of Columbia
A PROCLAMATION
FROM THE MAYOR OF
WASHINGTON, DC
THE HONORABLE
VINCENT C. GRAY
National Memorial Day Parade
Salute to Americas Veterans
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
Memorial Day is among our nations most important and
solemn holidays. It is not merely a day off work or school, or
the unofcial start of summer as some now call it. Instead,
it is a day for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to come
together and honor those who have sacriced in service to our
country.
Amazingly, while Memorial Day parades have been a tradi-
tion in cities and towns across the nation for well over a cen-
tury, prior to 2005 Washington, DC our nations capitalwas
without a parade for many decades. Sadly, in recent years
many of these small-town parades have been fading away, as
war veterans have aged and the true meaning of the day has
been forgotten.
In 2005, following the success of the previous years A Pa-
rade Salute to World War II Veterans which coincided with the
dedication of the World War Memorial, the American Veterans
Center decided to bring back the grand tradition of a parade on
Memorial Day in Washington. Thus, the National Memorial Day
Parade was born. Not merely for the people of Washington,
the parade is one for the nation, an event that seeks to draw
the attention of Americans to the real meaning of the holiday:
honoring those who have served and died to secure and pro-
tect our liberties.
The National Memorial Day Parade has quickly become a
tradition in which Americans of all ages and generations can
share. The parade now draws several hundred thousand spec-
tators and is televised nationwide and to our troops serving
around the world.
This is a parade unlike others held around the nation
throughout the year while it is fun, it is at the same time dig-
nied, respecting the meaning behind the holiday. And while
the parade will include marching bands and entertainment, it
is also educational, providing you and your family the oppor-
tunity to see rst-hand some of Americas most distinguished
veterans and active duty troops.
Throughout this program you will nd stories about many
of the participants in this years parade. From the accounts of
Americas greatest heroes and legends like Chuck Yeager and
the Tuskegee Airmen, to the stories of how Gary Sinise and Joe
Mantegna came to be strong supporters of our military, this
program will serve as your guide to a number of the parades
best stories. While we hope that you and your family will have
fun, we also hope you will learn something along the way about
the meaning of service and sacrice.
The American Veterans Center is proud to take the lead
in bringing this tradition back to the nations capital, and is
grateful for the support of our many sponsors, including the
parades presenting sponsor, Boeing. Most of all, we want to
we want to thank you for your support of our service members
and veterans. We hope that you enjoy the National Memorial
Day Parade, and that you will join us for years to come.
HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
Following the Civil War, communities
around the nation began to set aside a
day to remember those who had been lost.
These individual ceremonies eventually
coalesced around Decoration Daynow
known as Memorial Daywhich was of-
cially proclaimed in 1868 by U.S. Army
General John Logan in his General Order
No. 11.
On May 30 of that year, owers were
placed on the graves of Union and Con-
federate soldiers alike in Arlington National
Cemetery. Nearly 5,000 Americans came
together to decorate the graves of those
lost in battle. This was to be a day in which
those of all sympathiesNorth and South
would put aside their differences and come
together to honor those who had served,
and those who had died.
By the late 1800s, Memorial Day had
become a tradition throughout the na-
tion. Businesses would close, and parades
would be held as communities paused to
thank those who made the ultimate sacri-
ce. Following World War I, Memorial Day
took on a new meaning, and became our
militarys most sacred day.
In recent decades, traditional obser-
vances of Memorial Day have diminished,
as veterans age and so many other activi-
ties have competed for peoples attention
on the holiday. However, since the begin-
ning of the War on Terror, there has been a
resurgence in attention paid to the day with
the public increasingly aware of its sacred
place in our national consciousness. Hope-
fully it is a trend that will last long after the
troops are home.
THE HISTORY OF
MEMORIAL DAY
N4 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
Text VETS to 501501 to donate $5
to support the National Memorial Day Parade, our veterans, and the military
men and women who have sacriced to protect our freedoms.
Message & data rates may apply.
Or visit www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/donate
The American Veterans Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable
organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
The National Memorial Day
Parade
needs YOUR support!
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
F
R
E
E
W
i-
F
i
S
e
r
v
ic
e
o
n
A
L
L
N
o
r
t
h
e
a
s
t
C
o
r
r
id
o
r
T
ra
in
s
&
In
S
t
a
t
io
n
s
A M T R A K . C O M
Every seat on Acela Express comes with its own electrical outlet.
So whether youre working or relaxing, you can plug in and use your electronics
to your hearts content, charging the batteries all the while. A powerful idea.
A POWER SOURCE AT EVERY SEAT.
A
m
tra
k
,
A
c
e
la
,
A
c
e
la
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
a
n
d
E
n
jo
y
th
e
jo
u
r
n
e
y
a
r
e
s
e
r
v
ic
e
m
a
r
k
s
o
f
th
e
N
a
tio
n
a
l
R
a
ilr
o
a
d
P
a
s
s
e
n
g
e
r
C
o
r
p
o
ra
tio
n
.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
TO PLUG IN
Aspecial Thank You for
your support inproviding lunchto the
active duty personnel participating
inthe parade.
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
The National Memorial Day Parade, presented by Boeing, is organized as a moving timeline of American military
history, paying tribute to those who served from the time of the Native Americans and the American Revolution through
the Civil War and on to current times. It will feature marching bands, military units, parade oats, and
veterans of every era from World War II to today.
This is your guide to follow along with the parade, beginning to end. We hope you enjoy yourself, while perhaps gaining
a new appreciation for the sacrices made by so many generations of Americans to preserve our freedom.
PARADE LINE UP
N6 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
PRE-PARADE ACTIVITIES
LOCATED AT THE NATIONAL
ARCHIVES INCLUDE:
Tribute to Americas Gold Star Families
My Country Tis of Thee by SFC
Pleshette D. Greggs, U.S. Army Reserve
Armed Forces Medley & On This Day
by Erin Gantt
Rainbow by G. Love
Outlaw Spirit by Angie Johnson
Musical performances by American Idol
winner Kris Allen
O Danny Boy by Nathan Pacheco
The National Anthem &God Bless the
USA by Miss America 2012
Laura Kaeppeler
Welcoming remarks by American Veterans
Center President James C. Roberts
Reviewing Ofcials Admiral James A.
Winnfeld Jr. & The Honorable Ray
Mabus, Grand Marshal Chuck Yeager,
and Honorary Marshals Gary Sinise &
Joe Mantegna
Please note: Pauses in the parade
procession may occur due to television
commercial breaks.
All musical performances will take place
in front of the National Archives steps on
Constitution Avenue.
OPENING PERFORMANCE
America The Dream Goes On
National Memorial Day Festival Chorus
National Archives Steps
Metropolitan Police Lead Car and
Motor V
The American Veterans Center
Founder and organizer of the National
Memorial Day Parade
Thank You to Boeing Presenting Spon-
sor 2012 National Memorial
Day Parade
www.boeing.com
Band: Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes and
Drums
Riderless Horse In Honor of Those Who
Have Made the Ultimate Sacrice
THE 2012 NATIONAL MEMORIAL
DAY PARADE CEREMONIAL
HONOR GUARD AND GRAND
MARSHAL
Featuring Active Duty Military Personnel
including:
The United States Joint Service Color Guard
The United States Air Force Band
Marching Platoons From:
The United States Army
The United States Marine Corps
The United States Navy
The United States Air Force
The United States Coast Guard
And the famed 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Grand Marshal 2012 National
Memorial Day Parade Chuck Yeager
U.S. Air Force (Retired)
Band: Chapin High School South Carolina
Harry Ferrier Last living veteran of
Torpedo Squadron 8, famed unit from the
Battle of Midway 70 years ago
Honorary Marshal Joe Mantegna with his
uncle WWII veteran Willy Novelli, riding in
a military vehicle supported by PenFed.
Band: Conant High School Band - Illinois
Musical performance by Kris Allen
Winner of American Idol, with newly
released albumThank You Camellia
Band: Ballou High School - Washington, D.C
Honorary Grand Marshals
Our Wounded Warriors from Operations
in Afghanistan and Iraq, with Honorary
Marshal Gary Sinise
Made possible with support from HBO
Band: Foothill High School Band - Nevada
Thank you to the American Association
of Railroads - Four-Star Sponsor
THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY
PARADE: A MOVING TIMELINE
OF AMERICAN MILITARY
HISTORY HONORING:
Native Americans
Eagle Medicine Band of Cherokee Indians
The American Revolution:
Band: Fifes and Drums of Yorktown
Made possible with support from Military
Order of the Purple Heart Service
Foundation
Betsy Ross Flag
General George Washington, with wife Martha
Mt. Vernon Estate & Gardens
Made possible with support from
The Washington Examiner The Ofcial
Print Partner of the National Memorial
Day Parade
The National Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution: George Washington
Chapter
Band: Gateway High School Band
Pennsylvania
The War of 1812:
The Star-Spangled Banner
Sailors of the USS Constitution
The worlds oldest oating commissioned
naval vessel
71st Command Color Guard
Band: Cheshire High School Band
Connecticut
Maryland Federalist replica tall ship
Veterans Corps of Artillery- State of NewYork
Ships Company Maryland
The Largest U.S. Navy Flag in the World
Made possible with support from the
USNA Class of 1970
Band: Parkway Central High School -
Missouri
Thank you to PenFed Three Star Sponsor
The Civil War:
Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War
Civil War Eagles Featuring the Federal
Generals Corps and Lees Lieutenants
Band: American Originals Fife and Drums
Made possible with support from Quicken
Loans
President Abraham Lincoln
Mounted Union Army Soldier - Portrayed
by TomTompkins
F.R.E.E.D.: Female Re-Enactors of Distinction
Band: West Harrison High School Band
Mississippi
R. E. Lee Camp 726 Sons of the
Confederacy & Provisional Forces of the
Confederacy
Band: Cheraw High School South
Carolina
Thank You to WTOP The Ofcial Radio
Partner of the National Memorial Day Parade
Central Virginia Mustang Club
Thank You to Costco and Safeway for
supporting our active duty military
The Spanish American War:
Made possible with support from
Dimensions Healthcare System
President Theodore Roosevelt
1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Rough
Riders Honor Guard
Colonel
Buzz Aldrin
The Heritage Foundation
Salutes Our Troops
AmericanAirlines and AA.com are marks of American Airlines, Inc.
oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. 2011 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.
American Airlines proudly supports
the U.S. Military. Thank you for your
sacrifice and unwavering service
to our country. To learn more about
Americans support of all who serve,
visit AA.com/military.
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
Buffalo Soldiers - 9th and 10th Cavalry
Division Virginia
World War I:
World War I Doughboy Re-Enactors
Thank You to Lions Club -- Two Star
Sponsor
Lions Club Float Saluting Our Military
Beacons of Hope
Band: Sewanhaka All-Star Marching Band
NewYork
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Honor
Guard
World War I-era Ambulance
Band: Williams Valley High School Penn-
sylvania
Thank You to GEICO Two Star Sponsor
Musical Performance by G. Love
Peace, Love, and Happiness
World War II:
Ceremonial Honor Guard featuring Flags of
the Allied Nations
Band: Skiatook High School Band
Oklahoma
Honorary Marshals for World War II
The Tuskegee Airmen
Veterans of the 99th Infantry Division of
World War II
Musical Performance by Swing Shift
Thank You to Music Celebrations Inter-
national
Band: Concord Community High School
Indiana
Navy Club of the USA Ship 166, Replica
PT Boat
Thank You to U-Haul Two Star Sponsor
Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive
Featuring a replica statue of the famed VJ
Day in Times Square photo & Nell Cal-
loway, granndaughter of legendary General
Claire Chennault of the Flying Tigers
Band: East Stroudsburg High School
Pennsylvania
Sons and Daughters of the Pearl Harbor
Survivors
Japanese American Veterans Association
Embassy of the Philippines World War II
Veterans
The Korean War:
A Tribute to the Forgotten Victory Float
Featuring Air Force Heroes of
the Korean War
Made possible with support from
The Department of Defense 60th
Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemoration Committee
Colonel Buzz Aldrin, USAF (Ret)
Legendary Apollo 11 Astronaut & Korean
War veteran
Honorary Marshal for the Korean War
Major General Frederick Boots Blesse,
USAF (Ret)
Musical performance by Kris Allen
Winner of American Idol, with newly
released album Thank You Camellia
Band: Uniondale High School NewYork
The VietnamWar:
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Maryland
Honorary Marshal for the VietnamWar
Brigadier General R. Steve Ritchie,
USAF (Ret)
A Tribute to the Special Operations
Community
Made possible with the support of the
Perot Foundation
Band: Penneld High School Michigan
Coalition of of Republic of Vietnam
Veterans Association
Authentic Vietnam-era Helicopter
Provided by North Carolina Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association
101st Airborne Division Veterans
Band: Palo Verde High School Nevada
Beirut Veterans of America
Republic of China Veterans Association
The Gulf War:
Honorary Marshals of the Gulf War
Veterans of Operation Desert Storm
Marching in support of a new national
memorial to the fallen
Band: Sullivan South High School
Tennessee
Kuwait Remembers
Float made possible with support by
The State of Kuwait
Band: Baldwin High School Band
Pennsylvania
Capital Wing of the Airmens Preservation
Society
Band: Elmore City High School Band
Oklahoma
Washington Hospital Center Honor Guard
United War Veterans Council Float &
Brooklyn College City University of NewYork
Band: Valley Forge Military Academy &
College Field Unit Pennsylvania
Pentagon Memorial Fund
Thank You to Fundraising Strategies
Two Star Sponsor
USA Cares
Featuring God Bless America by
Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler
A VERY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE
AND SACRIFICE OF THE GENERATION THAT
SERVED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
The rst major public tribute to this
generation in our nations capital following
the conclusion of the war
Featuring:
Families of the Fallen Represented by
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
(TAPS)
Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Led by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America (IAVA)
Band: Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts
Plus:
Active Duty Military from:
- The United States Marine Corps
- The United States Navy, featuring sailors
from the USSArlington, named in
honor of the fallen from the attack on the
Pentagon, September 11, 2001
- The United States Air Force
- The United States Army &Army Reserve
Band: Freedom High School Virginia
USO of Metropolitan Washington
Band: Okeechobee High School Florida
Thank You to Boeing, Presenting Sponsor
of the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade,
and All of the Parades Generous Sponsors
for their Support
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N7
PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE
AMERICAN
VETERANS
CENTERS
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
HONORING THOSE WHO FELL
IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM
Angie Johnson
G. Love
Miss America 2012
Laura Kaeppeler
On Behalf of the American
Veterans Center, Thank You
for Coming, and We Will
See You Next Year!
Kris Allen
Thank
you
N8 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
Charles Chuck Elwood Yeager is
known for his work as a test pilot in the
United States Air Force, most famously
as the rst man to break the sound bar-
rier on October 14, 1947.
Born in 1923 in Myra, West Vir-
ginia, Chuck Yeager served in the mili-
tary from 1942-1975. When the United
States entered World War II, he was
assigned to the combat unit Eighth Air
Force and stationed in England, where
he ew P-51 Mustangs.
Historian Dr. James Young wrote
that Yeager owned cunning, concentra-
tion, relentless ferocity and superb pi-
loting skills and was soon recognized
as a top pilot. This piloting nesse
along with his natural 20/10 vision en-
abled his 12.5 victories.
On March 5 of 1944, only a day
after his rst victory, Yeager was shot
down over France. He escaped to neu-
tral ground in Spain with the help of
French guerilla ghters, the Maquis.
He returned to combat and scored
several major victories. On October 12
of 1944,Yeager shot down 5 Me 109s,
and four FW 190s on November 27 the
same year. He was 21 years old.
After the war, Yeager returned to the
United States, married his sweetheart,
Glennis Faye Dickhouse, and worked as
a test pilot.
He served in the Flight Test Division
at Wright Field, Ohio. Young wrote that
Yeager was noticed by his commanding
ofcers for his extraordinary capacity
to remain calm and focused in stress-
ful situations, and was hand-picked
for the team of test pilots working on
breaking the sound barrier.
On October 14, 1947, ying a Bell
X-1, Yeager reached a speed of Mach
1.06, or 700 mph. He had become the
rst human to y faster than the speed
of sound, which had been thought im-
possible. Yeager become known as the
fastest man alive, and that same year
received the Collier Trophy, awarded for
the greatest achievement in aeronau-
tics or astronautics in America.
Yeager said of his achievement, Its
duty. In an interview with the Academy
of Achievement, he said, It didnt make
any difference to me whether I thought
the airplane would go faster than
sound. I was assigned as a test pilot on
it, and it was my duty to y it. Thats the
way most military pilots look at it.
Today, Yeager lives with his second
wife and former actress, Victoria Scott
DAngelo, nowVictoria Yeager. They were
married in 2003, 13 years after Glennis
died of ovarian cancer.
Victoria says of her husband, He
assesses risk especially when others
are involved. He also doesnt sweat
the small stuff. And he thinks, how can
I bust my butt, how can I prevent that
- and tries to x the problem before it
happens. Hes also pretty present.
They met while hiking in Nevada.
Victoria Yeager recalls that day in the
foothills of the Sierras:
He had just gotten back from Aus-
tralia and I had just returned from Af-
rica. I said to this stranger coming down
as I was going up on a glorious spring
day, Great Day!
When she found out he was the
Chuck Yeager, she told him, Sam
Shepard doesnt light a candle to you.
(Sam Shepard played Chuck Yeager in
The Right Stuff, a movie adapted from
Tom Wolfes book about Yeagers feat.)
They arranged to meet the next day,
and the rest is history.
CHUCK YEAGER
GRAND MARSHAL
OF THE 2012 NATIONAL MEMORIAL
DAY PARADE
By Samantha Gilman
We We were t|ere w|ea ,ea |aaeee ea t|e aert|era ceast e| |raace. We were t|ere w|ea ,ea retaraee te t| |ee
|| |||||jj|ae s|ere. We were t|ere w|ea ,ea |ea|t |a Kerea aae \|etaam. We were t|ere w|ea ,ea re||e eee
acress t|e eeserts e| |ra. We were t|ere t|ea. We w||| a|wa,s |e t|ere. e.
|reae|, serr|a t|e |||tar, s|ace Jl l. .
+o-+ea-.s, .-a|-.s, +a1 |++| :+:-.+-s +.- e.|||-a ||.++| a+a+||||+|-1 |as+.+a:- :+o)+a|-s +a1 +.- s-:+.-1 ||.++| ||- ||| |as+.+a:- |-a:, |a:. M+|+.:,:|- :+:-.+- |s +a1-.e.|||-a |, ||| |a1-oa||, |+o)+a,.
+o- 1|s:++a|s, :+:-.+-s, )+,o-a| )|+as, +a1 |-+|+.-s +.- a+| +:+||+||- |a +|| s|+|-s +. |a +|| ||| :+o)+a|-s. +:-.ao-a| |o)|+,--s |as+.+a:- |+. ||| -a-.+| |as+.+a:- |+. ||| |a1-oa||, |+. ||| |+s++||, |+.
I|-s- :+o)+a|-s +.- s+|s|1|+.|-s +| -.|s||.- +||+e+, |a:. |||, W+s||a|+a, | 11l. 1|| |||
J|||Ikk1 (1-800-645-4827)
er ,ear |eca| ||0 e|||ce.
kI k| k|NI|k Ik010|| 8kI
Llcre CLLLe lRcV VlRclrlA, MARYLArL, LLLAvARL ArL vAellrc:cr,
L.C. vlLL LL VARcllrc lr :lL MA:lcrAL MLVcRlAL LAY
FARALL cr MAY 2O, 2O'2 lcrcRlrc vL:LRAre cl ALL vARe LL:
LelLclALLY :lceL vlc VALL :lL eLlRLVL eAcRlllcL.
vllLL VARcllrc, Llcre vlLL LL ccLLLc:lrc LeLL LYLcLAeeLe lcR
RLcYcLlrc :c Lle:RlLL:L :c :lceL lr rLLL ALL cvLR :lL vcRLL. A
vAr vlLL LL rLAR 7
:l
G:RLL: ArL Ccre:l:L:lcr AvLrLL vlLRL
cLAeeLe VAY ALec LL :AKLr.
l: le cLR ccAL :c ccLLLc: UOO lAlRe cl
LYLcLAeeLe e:A:LL EL vccLY` vccLARL,
FAe: Lle:Rlc: CcvLRrcR cl VlRclrlA`e
Lle:Rlc: 24A.
Llcr VL:LRAre cAr LL lLLr:lllLL LY :lL RLL,
vll:L ArL LLLL eAelLe :lLY vlLL LL vLARlrc.
/'/14+#. &#; 2#4#&'
9+6* #
24+&' 1( .+105
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
###########################################
for supplying thousands of bottles
of water for the parade participants,
troops and many more.
The 2012 National Memorial Day Parade
will begin promptly at 2:00 PM, with
pre-parade entertainment at the base of the
National Archives steps beginning at
12:45 PM. The parade will proceed along
Constitution Avenue from 7th to
17th Streets, NW.
Tune in to watch LIVE on WTTG Fox 5 then,
at 5 PM Eastern on the Pentagon Channel.
Full broadcast information is available at
www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.
WHERE TO WATCH THE PARADE
No apps here.
Just news and info at lightning speed.
Be part of the conversation.
mobile.washingtonexaminer.com
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N9
Honoring Those Who Served and Sacrificed in Iraq
With a large national welcome home parade still on hold, this
years National Memorial Day Parade honors the sacrice of the Iraq
war generation in the rst public salute in their honor in Washingon
since the end of the war last December. The annual parade honors the
fallen of all eras, but will nish this year with a special tribute to the fall-
en, and veterans, of Operation Iraqi Freedomand Operation NewDawn.
The American Veterans Center has organized the National Memo-
rial Day Parade in Washington since it began in 2005. This year, they
are joined by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Tragedy Assistance
Program for Survivors (TAPS), and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
Association (IAVA) in preparing for the May 28 parade.
What the parade means for the families is that America hasnt for-
gotten the service and sacrice of their loved ones, saidAmi Neiberger-
Miller, public affairs ofcer for TAPS. Were happy to participate in this
special tribute.
TAPS offers support and services for families of deceased veter-
ans. According to Neiberger-Miller, TAPS has been assisting plans for
the Memorial Day Parade by contacting families of fallen veterans and
inviting them to the parade and other events, including observances at
the Arlington cemetery where 800 Iraq and Afghanistan servicemen
and women are buried.
Part of the invitation offered to families is to participate in the nale
tribute of the parade which will feature a closing march of active duty
troops and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, along with surviving family
members who will represent their fallen loved ones.
We see the sacrice of veterans and their families remembered
in other ways but having it acknowledged in an ofcial capacity is very
touching, said Neiberger-Miller.
The National Memorial Day Parade in will be held Memorial Day,
May 28, from2-4 p.m.The parade route will follow ConstitutionAvenue
between 7th and 17th street on the National Mall.
Since Defense Secretary Leon Panetta declared the Iraq War of-
cially over on Dec. 15, veterans and military supporters in cities around
the country have called for public demonstrations to honor returning
soldiers. St. Louis and Tucson are among a short list of cities that have
been successful in organizing a more traditional welcome home parade
for returning veterans.
With troops still deployed in harms way it is imperative that we
show our support and gratitude as a nation, said James C. Roberts,
president of the American Veterans Center, which organizes the annual
parade. It is important to hold public events that allow Americans to
come out and personally thank those who have served, and honor
those who have fallen in the line of duty.
According to Wes Smith, program manager with the American
Veterans Center, the annual parade in Washington will function as a
moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have
served in wars from the Revolution to contemporary campaigns in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Participants will include active-duty and retired veter-
ans, marching bands, youth groups and celebrity supporters, with some
300,000 spectators expected to attend.
Jason Hansman, membership director for IAVA, said his organiza-
tion is reaching out to its network of Iraq andAfghanistan veterans and
inviting themto participate in the parade march. Hansman said having
the nations capital as the backdrop for the parade provides a great
opportunity for the veterans involved.
Theres something to be said about marching the vets right down
Constitution Avenue, said Hansman. The veterans are excited for this
tribute, not just for themselves, but to honor their fallen brothers and
sisters.
Samuel E.Amerine II is one of 2.4 million soldiers who have served
in Iraq or Afghanistan, and one of several hundred participants in the
parade this year. Amerine rst joined the Army right out of high school
in 1984 and served active-duty until 1991. Recognizing a need in Iraq,
Amerine reenlisted for a tour in Baghdad in 2005.Amerine said he rst
saw an invitation for veterans to participate in this years parade on
Twitter and he quickly signed up.
I feel extremely lucky and proud to be able to be a part of the rst
tribute in the nations capital, said Amerine. I expect theres going to
be benets I cant even anticipate yet.
Apart frompublic acknowledgment for his service,Amerine said he
is most excited to reconnect with the men he stationed with. He said
he has remained in contact with at least half of the platoon he was a
part of in Iraq, even though many of the men were half his age when he
reenlisted in 2005, at the age of 38.
Im hoping to run into some people that I was stationed with in
Iraq, saidAmerine. We got pretty tight.
By AdamSylvain
1420 Spring Hill Road, Suite 490, McLean, VA 22102
voice 703-226-0212 fax 703-821-0920 www.fundraisingstrategies.com
Men and Women Serving in Our Armed Forces
Proud sponsor of the
National Memorial Day Parade
########################################################################
N10 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
For the second year in a row, crew
members of Pre-Commissioning Unit
Arlington (LPD 24) will return to the na-
tions capital to march in the National
Memorial Day Parade to honor the vic-
tims and heroes of the attack on the
Pentagon.
The Arlington, a San Antonio-class
amphibious transport dock ship, was
christened at its construction site in
Pascagoula, Mississippi on March 26,
2011.
The ship, named for Arlington County
where the Pentagon is located, com-
memorates both the victims of the at-
tack on the Pentagon by the hijackers
of American Airlines Flight 77, as well
as the rst responders to the attack.
Honoring the legacy of those lost, the
ship will bear pieces of steel taken from
the girders of the damaged portion of
the Pentagon. Additionally, the crest of
the Arlington bears a Pentagon with the
Southwest portion colored red, to honor
the side attacked. Two benches of the
Pentagon Memorial are displayed on
the crest, and 184 twists of rope line
the crest - one for every person lost in
the attack.
The workers building Arlington also
commemorated the losses of Sep-
tember 11th by constructing a 6-foot
mahogany Pentagon, with an American
ag and the word Remember written
on it. According to the ships prospec-
tive commanding ofcer, Commander
Darren Nelson, the sign will be hung at
the quarterdeck, the entrance and cer-
emonial heart of the ship.
Were very humbled and honored
to carry the name Arlington across the
world, said CDR Nelson.
The Arlington is the second of three
ships named to honor the victims of
September 11th. The USS New York,
carrying steel recovered from Ground
Zero, was commissioned in New York
Harbor on November 2nd, 2009. The
USS Somerset, named after the Penn-
sylvania county where United Airlines
Flight 93 crashed after its passengers
fought back against the hijackers, is
scheduled for commissioning in 2013.
Mrs. Joyce Rumsfeld, wife of Mr.
Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense
from 2001 and 2006, serves as Arling-
tons sponsor. Mrs. Rumsfeld, who went
to Arlington Hospital to visit victims two
days after the Pentagon attacks, broke
the traditional champagne bottle on
the Arlingtons hull during the christen-
ing ceremony.
Also in attendance at the christen-
ing were Arlington Fire Chief James
Schwartz, the keynote speaker at the
ceremony, County Manager Barbara
Donnellan, former County Manager Ron
Carlee, and members of the Arlington
County Police Department.
According to Commander Nelson,
the ship in nearly complete, with equip-
ment installation and systems testing
being the remaining major milestones
prior to the Navy taking delivery of Ar-
lington this Fall. The ship is scheduled
to commission in Norfolk, Va. in March,
2013.
Currently, 316 members of the ships
ultimate 381-member crew are cur-
rently split between training in Norfolk,
Va. and the shipyard in Pascagoula,
Miss. Personnel from both locations will
make the trip to Washington to partici-
pate in this years event.
Participating in the parade again
this year is a tremendous honor for us,
Commander Nelson noted. We look
forward to every opportunity we have
to spend time in our namesakes region
and represent Arlington.
ARLINGTON CREW MEMBERS
TO MARCH IN NATIONAL
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The U.S.S. Arlington Dept. of Defense Photo
Sign up for The Washington Examiners daily free E-dition and
other promotional offers at washingtonexaminer.com.
THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
IS THE OFFICIAL PRINT PARTNER OF THE
2012 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE




ot ody

II s to dot go oIi wwwppItcsog

A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
3OHDVH UHPHPEHU WKDW WKH
WUXH PHDQLQJ RI 0HPRULDO 'D\
LV WR KRQRU DQG UHPHPEHU
WKRVH $PHULFDQV ZKR GLHG
GHIHQGLQJ IUHHGRP
This message brought to you
by U-Haul International
in conjunction with
The Memorial Day Foundation
memorialdayfoundation.org
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N11
,zdd ,
,
War touches lives and connects
people in remarkable ways. World War
II, perhaps more than any other era in
our modern history, created bonds that
last to this day. Every family has a story
of service to tell, whether it be of fathers
and mothers, sisters and brothers, cous-
ins and friends.
For Joe Mantenga, like millions of
other Americans, service in World War
II holds a special place in his familys
history. The Tony award-winning actor
and star of w has served as co-host of
the National Memorial Day Concert on
the National Mall for nearly a decade,
inspired by the service of his family dur-
ing World War II.
That generation was a special gen-
eration, Mantegna says. So many of
them sacriced so much.
Included among them were ve of
Mantegnas uncles one as a bombar-
dier in theArmy Air Corps, two in the Ma-
rine Corps, and another two in the Army.
One of these ve uncles, Willy Novelli,
has made it a point to travel with Joe
to attend the concert each year, and will
once again ride with Joe in this years
National Memorial Day Parade.
Willys service in World War II began
like many others. Determined to make a
difference, he volunteered for the Army
early, but was denied due to being un-
derage. At the age of 19, however, he left
his small town in southern Illinois and
went into the Army, eventually ghting
with General George Pattons famed
Third Army across France.
I went out on a mission on D+20
and served all the way until January
15th, 1945 when I got wounded, he
recalls.
Sent to the hospital to recover, No-
velli was determined to re-join his unit.
As the war came to a close, he decided
to go in search of his older brother, Tony,
who had been shot down while ying
over Italy and became a prisoner of war
in Germany. Arriving at the prison camp
with two other men, he found the men
there happy that the war was ending.
Wheres Tony Novelli?, he recalls
asking them.
You must be his little brother, Willy,
one of the men said. He just yesterday
went with the Russian Red Cross along
with 200 other guys.
Both brothers survived, later return-
ing home after recovering from their in-
juries. And just last year at the Pentagon,
Willy Novelli was nally awarded the
Purple Heart for his wounds in combat,
to go along with several other decora-
tions. Like most veterans, though, what
mattered to them most was not the
medals, it was the bonds they created
with their fellow service members and
the sense that they were taking part in
something far greater than themselves.
WORLD WAR II:
A FAMILYS STORY
By Nicole Larson and Dan Brosnan
Thank you
########################################################################
for your support of
the parade.
N12 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
K
O
R
E AN W
A
R
6
0 TH
A
NNI VE R
S
A
R
Y
1
9
5
0 19 5
3
2
0
10 2 0 1
3
DUURZV
Department of Defense
60th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemoration Committee
Honoring the Men and Women who served during the Korean War.
We remember the Forgotten Victory!
koreanwar.defense.gov | koreanwar@conus.army.miI
(703) 545-0523
THE LEGENDARY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Among the heroes of World War II, few
names resonate with Americans as that of
the Tuskegee Airmen, our militarys rst
African American pilots, who will serve as
Honorary Marshals for World War II in this
years National Memorial Day Parade.
At the outset of WorldWar II, the military
was segregated with Jim Crow laws still in
effect in many states. African Americans
were denied leadership positions and
were prohibited from ying missions. In an
effort to prove that black men could y as
skillfully as any others, civil rights pioneers
fought for the creation of the rst all Afri-
can American squadron, out of Tuskegee,
Alabama.
All black aviators and crewmen that
trained in the United States were sent to
Tuskegee, including William T. Fauntroy Jr.,
Cicero Sattereld, and Ivan Ware. They are
both original Tuskegee Airmen and will be
in the National Memorial Day Parade, rep-
resenting their comrades from the war.
On May 16, 1944, William T. Fauntroy
Jr. was inducted into the Army Air Corps
at Camp Lee in Petersburg, Virginia. He
was later transferred to Keesler Field in
Mississippi for Basic Training. After he was
nished with Basic, he qualied for ight
training and was assigned to the Tuskegee
Army Aireld as a Pre-Aviation Cadet in
July of 1944.
Mr. Fauntroy was a single engine pilot
which involved learning almost a years
worth of intense and advanced ight train-
ing. He was discharged as an Aviation Ca-
det on November 8, 1945.
Ivan Ware joined the Enlisted Reserve
Corps in 1942 and reported for active duty
in 1943. His Company landed in England
in November 1943 and on Omaha Beach
on July 3, 1944. They earned Battle Stars
for service in Normandy and in Northern
France. He also served in Luxemburg, Bel-
gium and Germany.
He entered Howard University in 1946
in the rst class of Air Force ROTC, where
he served as Cadet Battalion Commander.
Upon Air Force integration in 1949, he
became Training Ofcer at the Food Ser-
vice School, Fort Hood, TX and earned his
Regular Air Force Commission in 1951.
Both of these men have had accom-
plishments outside of their service in the
Air Force. William Fauntroy has a degree in
Civil Engineering from Howard University.
IvanWare was a Professor of Aerospace
Studies at Howard University, earned his
MBA at Howard, and received his MPA and
DPA from the University of Southern Cali-
fornia. He retired from Howard in 1974 af-
ter 30 years of service. Dr.Ware served two
consecutive years as ECCTAI Secretary,
two separate terms as 1st Vice President,
and three terms as a Director.
Cicero Sattereld, meanwhile, was orig-
inally trained in artillery after being drafted
in 1941, before eventually being trans-
ferred toTuskegee, then eventually went on
to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where he
supervised the venereal disease program.
He was discharged from the Army in 1945
and worked at the US Employment Ofce
in Chicago, processing applications for
returning veterans. He studied mathemat-
ics at Wilberforce College, then returned
to Mississippi where he produced a radio
program and operated a restaurant. He
came to Washington, DC in 1953 as an
employee of GSA; he was then employed
at the Dept. of Public Assistance as a So-
cial Worker until his retirement in 1974.
The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected
to racial discrimination, in and outside
the army. Despite these obstacles, they
ew with distinction. The Tuskegee 332nd
Fighter Group was the only operational
unit, rst sent overseas as part of Opera-
tionTorch. Then they saw action in Italy, be-
fore being deployed to Europe as bomber
escorts.
Many people now know of the Tuskegee
Airmen from the recent movie Red Tails
directed by George Lucas of Star Wars
fame and starring Cuba Gooding Jr. When
the pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group
painted the back of their planes red, they
were given the nickname Red Tails.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt gave the
program a publicity boost when she went
down to Alabama to inspect the new ight
program. She rode in a plane with one of
the pilots for half an hour. Upon her exit
of the plane she said Well, you can y all
right.
The Tuskegee Airmen have had many
accomplishments and decorations over
their collective career. They have received
three Distinguished Unit Citations, one Sil-
ver Star, 14 Bronze Stars, an estimated
one hundred and fty Distinguished Flying
Crosses, 744 Air Medals, and eight Purple
Hearts. They were awarded a Gold Medal
as a whole by Congress in 2007.
When segregation in the military was
ended in 1948, the Tuskegee Airmen were
in demand within the new United States
Air Force. These men were instrumental in
the post war aviation developments.
Recalling what he was most proud of
with his service, Mr. Fauntroy recalls, If
anything, its my group and how I was
trained. Some of the men came back
fromoverseas to train us, and Improud to
be part of that group. I owe it to the men
that contributed during and after the war.
We stand on their shoulders.
Come out to see these brave men in
the National Memorial Day Parade in
Washington D.C., May 28th at 2pm. Join
your fellow Americans in honoring heroes
from every generation and remembering
those who have given the greatest sacri-
ce for our freedom.
By: Maggie Walsh
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
Gary Sinise, Honorary Marshal of the 2012 National
Memorial Day Parade, is not a veteran himself, but you
would never know based on his dedication to appreciat-
ing and recognizing the sacrices of our countrys military.
The 57-year-old actor has become one of the most
tireless and popular supporters of the armed forces, and
one of the most well known active participants in several
charitable military-based organizations.
In a speech at the National Press Club a few years ago,
Sinise credited his familys military ties with piquing his in-
terest in the efforts and well being of the troops; his grand-
father served in WWI, his father served in the Navy, and his
uncle was a navigator on a B17 bomber during WWII, in
which he survived 30 missions over Europe.
Sinise chose acting as a profession, and, despite his
successful career and popularity, including his current role
as Detective Mac Taylor in CBSs CSI: NY, he continues to
modestly support the military as much as possible.
Lending a hand to these brave men and women is truly
one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, Sinise
also said in the National Press Club speech.
Sinise formed The Lt. Dan Band in 2004, which, ac-
cording to the bands website, plays an average of 30-40
shows per year, 75% of which are dedicated to supporting
the USO, charities or benets. The name of the band is
inspired by Sinises famed role in the 1994 lm, Forrest
Gump, in which his portrayal of the disabled, emotionally
tortured veteran, Lieutenant Dan Taylor, earned him mul-
tiple awards and an Oscar nomination.
Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt.
Dan, Sinise told the American Forces Press Service. They
just cant help it.
Sinise also co-founded a program with author Laura
Hillenbrand called Operation Iraqi Children, which sends
school supplies to Iraqi children.
Iraq is in the news every day, and most of it is bad,
Sinise told Parade Magazine in a September 12, 2004
article. But there are some positive stories. And how our
soldiers are rebuilding schools and helping kids is one of
them.
For his commitment, Sinise was awarded the 2008
Presidential Citizen Medal, the nations second highest
civilian award, by President George W. Bush for his work in
supporting the U.S Military and humanitarian efforts.
Sinise tirelessly continues to commit himself to mili-
tary organizations, and currently serves as the National
Spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for
Life Memorial. The foundation was established in 1998
to raise the funds necessary to design and construct the
Memorial, according to its website.
Sadly, for more than three million veterans seriously
injured in the line of duty, leaving the battleeld does not
mark the end of their conict, Sinise said on the founda-
tions website. These permanently disabled heroes often
carry home life-altering disabilities, stern reminders of the
price of freedom.
The actor has been a part of the National Memorial Day
Parade since 2006, and will again appear on a oat with
the Honorary Grand Marshals of the parade, Wounded
Warriors from Afghanistan and Iraq, on a oat sponsored
by Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation.
Its really a very signicant and very important holiday,
Sinise said during the parades television broadcast, to
remember the sacrices that our service members have
made over the years, and I cant think of a better place to
spend it than in Washington, DC.
American Veterans Center Executive Director, Tim Hol-
bert, credits much of the parades success to Sinises un-
wavering commitment.
Gary Sinise has to be called one of the Founding Fa-
thers of the National Memorial Day Parade, Holbert said.
His early support of the parade back in only its second
year really helped bring attention to it, and to our efforts
to truly make this truly a national event calling attention to
the sacrices made by our military. His support for us, and
countless other events to support the troops, has been
extraordinary.
By Vanessa Schutz
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N13
LT. DANS ONGOING MISSION
Tune in to watch the parade LIVE on WTTG Fox 5 then, at 5 PM Eastern on the Pentagon Channel.
N14 WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG
PARADE SUPPORTERS
FOR WHOM WE ARE
ESPECIALLY GRATEFUL
Boeing Presenting Sponsor
Association of American Railroads Four Star Sponsor
Department of Defense Three Star Supporter
60th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemoration Committee
PenFed Three Star Supporter
The Nation of Kuwait Two Star Sponsor
The Perot Foundation Two Star Sponsor
The Washington Examiner Two Star Sponsor &
Ofcial Print Partner
U-Haul Two Star Sponsor
HBO Two Star Sponsor
Lions Club Two Star Sponsor
GEICO Two Star Sponsor
Fund Raising Strategies Two Star Sponsor
American Airlines Two Star Sponsor
Military Times Two Star Sponsor
Quicken Loans Two Star Sponsor
WTOP 103.5 FM Ofcial Radio Partner
Costco Sponsor of water for
parade participants
Amtrak One Star Sponsor
Sports Clips One Star Sponsor
Military Order of the Purple Heart One Star Sponsor
Service Foundation
WND One Star Sponsor
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Accommodations for
television production
Association of the United States Army Parade Supporter
Dimensions Healthcare System Parade Supporter
The Heritage Foundation Parade Supporter
Taipei Economic and Cultural Parade Supporter
Representative Ofce in the
U.S. (TECRO)
Trader Joes Parade Supporter
Johnsons Florist Parade Supporter
Safeway Parade Supporter
The Fund for American Studies Parade Supporter
Walgreens Parade Supporter
Arlington Florist Parade Supporter
York Telecom Parade Supporter
Verizon Parade Supporter
Subway Troop Luncheon Supporter -
providing hundreds of
sandwiches for all the troop
ITT Excelis Troop Luncheon Supporter
SAIC Troop Luncheon Supporter
Fill Your Heart Edible Memories Troop Luncheon Supporter
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe Troop Luncheon Supporter
Republic National Distributing Company Troop Luncheon Supporter
Harris Teeter Troop Luncheon Supporter
National Beer Wholesalers Association Troop Luncheon Supporter
Strategic marketing & sponsorship services provided by Formula Strategy
Group.
Public relations consultation by Shirley & Banister Public Affairs.
Television broadcast syndication by Sewee Entertainment.
Catering by Great Falls Gourmet.
A number of generous individuals supporters including The Salonites family
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
LEONARD LEE
THE D.C. OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
THE D.C. METROPOLITAN POLICE
THE CAPITOL POLICE
THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SPECIAL
EVENTS TASK FORCE
ALL STAGE AND SOUND, INC.,
CAPITAL PARTY RENTALS
NATIONAL SCULPTURE GARDENS
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
YORKTEL MEDIA
Ron Gaboury
Yorktel, CEO
David Phillips
Yorktel, President & COO
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
Young Marines Program
Lt. Colonel Michael B. Kessler (USMC-Ret), National Executive Director
Joseph E. Bles, Inspector General for the Young Marines Program
National Headquarters --Washington, DC
Participating Young Marines Units:
North Knoxville Young Marines Knoxville, TN
Nations Capitol Young Marines Washington, DC
Calvert County Young Marines Chesapeake Beach, MD
Manassas Young Marines Virginia
8th and I Young Marines Washington, DC
Ft. Meade Young Marines Maryland
Upper Marlboro Young Marines Maryland
Battleeld Young Marines Virginia
Eno River Young Marines North Carolina
SPECIAL THANKS TOALL OF THE VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPEDWITHTODAYS SPECIAL EVENT ANDTOTHE FOLLOWING GROUPS:
Karen Corrales
Jim Corrales
Hannah Jackman
Janette Kim
Christian Kim
Grace Lombardi
Jane Lucas
Michael Sisk
Nancy Twomey
Liam Twomey
Tad Twomey
Rew Twomey
Dave Van Allen
Jim Ward
Marie Ward
Danny Ward
Debra Waters
Robert Whisenant
Special Groups
Unites States Naval Sea Cadet Corps &
Naval League Cadet Corps
Washington, DC JROTC
Linganore High School JROTC
Coolidge High School JROTC
Thanks to all of the individual antique/classic car owners and Car Clubs
Washington Area Collectors of Military Vehicles Blue and Gray Military Vehicle Trust - Northern VA, MD, and DC areas
1963 Buick Wildcat Convertible Randy Dencheld Chevy Chase, MD
1972 Oldsmobile Convertible Randy Dencheld Chevy Chase, MD
1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Randy Dencheld Chevy Chase, MD
Central Virginia Mustang Club
F Body Hideout Car Club
Lake Anna Cruizers Car Club Virginia
1903 Oldsmobile Maryland
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Virginia
1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible Maryland
AMERICANVETERANS CENTER
JAMES C. ROBERTS President & Executive Producer
TIM HOLBERT- Executive Director & Producer
WES SMITH Program Director & Parade Director
MIKE PARADISO Chief Operating Ofcer
SETH NICHOLS Director of Development
DAN SHERM Development Manager
PARADE PRODUCTION STAFF
JOHNWISCOMBE Executive Producer - Music
Celebrations International
JOHN M. BEST Producer and Writer - JM Best
Entertainment, Inc.
TODD MARCOCCI Coordinating Producer - Under
the Sun Productions, Inc.
AMY WALP Associate Producer
KELLY HERNACKI Associate Producer
AMY STORTI BESKAR Script Supervisor
BRENDA GOLDSMITH - Production Manager
RALPH CUTRONE - Production Manager
SARAH GRIFFITH Production Supervisor
PARADE MANAGERS
GENE HARDING
CHRIS CROMWELL
RICKE STIMMEL
MIGUEL BERRIOS
ANGELA BOWLES
CATHY ARNOTT
PARADE PRODUCTION
CHRISTY BELARDO
NICK BUDDOCK
CHRIS DARCY
JENNIFER DEEMS
CORY RYAN FRANK
JOHANNA GELBER
AMY GORMAN
LEWIS GORMAN
LARRY HARVEY
PAT HARVEY
MARIA IOANNIDES
ERIN McVAY
ADAM NAROFF
MATTHEW REIPRICH
ROCCO RICHARDSON
MATTHEW SNYDER
JEREMY WILLIAMS
ANNIE WOODS
TELEVISION PRODUCTION
MARK MAXEY Producer
STEPHEN FISHER Production Manager
MUSIC CELEBRATIONS INTERNATIONAL
JOHNWISCOMBE
STEPHEN BOOMER
CUTLER BOUGH
MARY CONES
ASHLEY HARGREAVES
VINCE PATTERSON
CINDY PETTY
DAN SCHWARTZ
ANDREW SNOW
LUKE ISCOMBE
PETERWISCOMBE
Television Broadcast Hosted By:
MAJOR GARRETT, ALEX WITT, & KIRSTEN HAGLUND
Live Parade Announcers:
MARK KESSLER
THE HONORABLE BLANQUITA WALSH CULLUM
ALSOTHANKYOUTO:
D. CRAIG HORN REVIEWING STAND MANAGER
LORRAINE HORN REVIEWING STAND COORDINATOR
DANTWOMEY MANAGER OF SPECIAL LUNCH FOR
TROOPS
MARY JANE GARNER MILITARY LIAISON
LORI ALLEN MILITARY LIAISON
REBECCA CAUFIELD CATERING MANAGER
RICH MCFADDEN VIDEO PRODUCTION
DAN SUSSKIND VIDEO PRODUCTION
LIZ LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRIS GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PLUS:
BILL & JANE PERRY, JOHN & JANET SCOTT, DAN BROS-
NAN, JACLYN GARDNER, SARAH SHELDON, STACIE
ROBARTS, MORGANWAMPLER, ROGER PERRY, BILL &
LINDA GOODRICH, PAIGE YOUNG, HOLLY KRAMER
Special Thanks to Priscilla Roberts, Kitt Rodkey and John Wiscombe who were
instrumental in creating the 2004 Parade Salute to World War II Veterans, out
of which The National Memorial Day Parade grew, and to Mackie Christenson,
the parades founding director whose hard work was instrumental in making the
National Memorial Day Parade a success.
Parade Production
Thank you to the following volunteers:
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
WWW.NATIONALMEMORIALDAYPARADE.COM WWW.AMERICANVETERANSCENTER.ORG N15
Kuwait Remembers...
On this day the people of the State of Kuwait remember with deep gratitude and pride
those fallen heroes of the Gulf War, and the sacrices they made on behalf
of a noble and important cause.
KUWAITREMEMBERS
GULF WARVETERANS...
I 1!; 1; l' l!ll
TEXT VETS TO 501501 AND HELP SUPPORT
THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
WITH A $5 GIFT.
!. I. '. \):.' |.! |.'
Te 2012 National Memorial Day Parade will feature a tribute to the generation
that served and sacrifced in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn,
following the formal end of the war last December.
&RQQHFW :LWK WKH $9&
T') I. |..! .. |;:; T. .. \:..'.: www.americanveteranscenter.org
Argonne
Normandy
Midway
The Chosin Reservoir
Khe Sanh
Dak To
Medina Ridge
Tora Bora
Fallujah
These are the places we remember,
to honor the lives of those well never forget.
A
D
V
E
R
T
I
S
I
N
G
F
E
A
T
U
R
E
B
Y
T
H
E
W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N
E
X
A
M
I
N
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
E
M
O
R
I
A
L
D
A
Y
P
A
R
A
D
E
M
O
N
D
A
Y
,
M
A
Y
2
8
,
2
0
1
2

You might also like