RJ Hamster
Why this Memorial Day matters more than ever
Friend,
It’s Gary Sinise here.
You may know me from my roles in movies like Apollo 13 and The Green Mile or the CBS television series CSI: NY – but it was in 1994 playing the role of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump that changed my life and inspired my enduring connection to our defenders, veterans, and first responders.
I’ve served as an Honorary Grand Marshal for the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. nearly every year since American Veterans Center revived it in 2005.
But I’ve never been more excited to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshall than I am this year – the year of America’s 250th birthday.
Friend, this Memorial Day marks the first major national act of remembrance of the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend America from its enemies and ensure it has remained the Land of the Free for the last 250 years.
And this year’s National Memorial Day Parade will be a special edition – the biggest parade yet – where national memory meets living history as veterans from every military generation celebrate America and honor the service and sacrifice of their fallen brethren.
Friend, the National Memorial Day Parade is ENIRELY FUNDED by private contributions, including from generous patriots like you.
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
The 2026 National Memorial Day Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime moment where we need to do all we can to honor our country and our veterans.
Bigger crowds.
More veterans.
More young people learning what courage, service, and sacrifice really mean.
Historically, AVC has been able to do this at a fraction of what other major public events cost to put on each year.
In fact, the entire parade costs about as much as just THREE balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or TWO floats in the Rose Bowl Parade!
That means that every dollar that’s contributed by a generous American like you makes a difference for this important event.
But I want to reiterate that American Veterans Center does not take ANY federal funding for this event. It is funded entirely by private citizens like you who want to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Friend, as we look ahead to this historic event, can I count on your generous gift of $25, $50, $75, $150, or more?
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
Your support of the American Veterans Center not only helps the parade, but also supports great programs like:
- Record hundreds of oral histories of veterans from World War II to today before we lose these stories forever.
- Hold our annual American Veterans Conference, which allows young cadets a chance to hear first-hand from veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and our modern wars.
- Produce veteran-focused T.V. documentaries and specials that remind Americans the price of our freedom.
But of course, the National Memorial Day Parade is AVC’s flagship event honoring America’s veterans. And this year’s parade will be the largest in their history of hosting the parade.
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom, this is one of the best possible ways you could do it.
And for a special group of veterans, this might be one of the last chances we get.
You see, with each year that goes by, we lose more and more of our World War II veterans, and for the few we have remaining, traveling to Washington, D.C., for the parade is difficult.
WWII veterans were a key part of the first parade when it was revived in 2005, as they have been every year since for the last 20 years.
But this may be the last year we have the opportunity to have these brave men and women with us for the parade.
This year is a rare moment when living witnesses to World War II and America’s 250th birthday overlap.
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
And no matter how much you can give to this important cause, I want to ask something additional of you.
On Memorial Day – not just this momentous year of military milestones, but every year – please join me in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Come to the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
Visit a local veterans’ cemetery.
Send a note to a family of the fallen.
Or simply take a quiet moment to think about the men and women who gave their lives to defend OUR country.
I believe that while we can never do enough to express our gratitude to our defenders, veterans, and first responders, we can always do a little more.
Friend, thank you for your support of America’s heroes.
Sincerely,
Gary Sinise
Honarary Grand Marshal
National Memorial Day Parade
P.S. Friend, America is stepping into its 250th year, and this Memorial Day begins that national remembrance.
Veterans across generations have given their lives to defend America and all she stands for.
And for the Greatest Generation in particular, this may be the last time they’re able to join us at this year’s National Memorial Day Parade.
There’s no better send-off we can give them than to make sure they’re present to honor their fallen brethren during America’s 250th birthday.
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
Support the National Memorial Day Parade
The mission of the American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee is to preserve and promote the legacy and experiences of America’s veterans and active duty service personnel from World War II through today.
A non-profit educational organization, the AVC and WWIIVC are funded solely through generous contributions from people like you. All contributions are tax-deductible.
© American Veterans Center
1100 N. Glebe Road Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22201
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