The National Memorial Day Parade returned to Constitution Avenue in Washington on May 29. The program was headlined .
The National Memorial Day Parade returned to Constitution Avenue in Washington on May 29.
The program was headlined by three legends of the U.S. Apollo Program, astronauts Rusty Schweikert of Apollo 9, Charles Duke of Apollo 16, and Harrison Schmitt of Apollo 17. The trio was joined by Randy Bresnik, who will orbit the Moon next year as part of the Artemis II Mission.
Veterans, some showing the scars of their time in combat, were honored with reserved seating at the head of the event.
The event honored U.S. veterans from throughout American history, ranging from the Sons of the American Revolution to veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Iraq. Veterans of the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan, and veterans of the former South Vietnamese Republic, who fought against communism during the Vietnam War, were also honored.
High school marching bands from across the United States also came to honor veterans.
Schmitt, who served as a U.S. senator from New Mexico following his moonwalk, told The Epoch Times that the event was “very special for me,” particularly because his father fought in the trenches of World War I and his father-in-law was a veteran of World War II.
“It’s really special to be here, partly to honor them,” he said.
“I’m glad the Memorial Day tradition has started again, that’s just really special,” Schmitt said, a reference to the fact that in 2020 and 2021, the parade wasn’t held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restarting last year after the hiatus. “Whoever is responsible for that is to be congratulated and thanked.”
Charles Duke said the event was also close to his heart, citing his father’s experience in the military that, in turn, motivated him to join the Air Force, where he spent 29 years in active duty and reserves.
