American Valor Quarterly Issue 15 - Summer 2016 | Page 6

Parade Grand Marshals THE VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II

The Grand Marshals of the 2016 National Memorial Day Parade were“ The Veterans of World War II,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U. S. entry into the war later this year.

Coming from across the country were several dozen surviving WWII veterans riding in classic cars of the pre-war era. They represented all 16 million who served during the war, and the more than 400,000 who died.

The participation of the veterans was underwritten by the Gary Sinise Foundation, with the veterans riding down the parade route with Mr. Sinise( pictured centered).

While many believe that such a huge undertaking as the National Memorial Day Parade can only be done by the military or the Federal Government, in fact, the parade is organized entirely by the World War II Veterans Committee and the American Veterans Center, and is 100 % privately funded by thousands of generous individuals across the country.

Through your support of the WWIIVC & AVC, you have helped touch the lives of the thousands of veterans and service members who participate in the parade, and share their story with millions of Americans. A heartfelt THANK YOU for your continued support, and making the National Memorial Day Parade America’ s biggest Memorial Day spectacular.

Doolittle’ s R aiders: A FINAL TOAST WINS AN EMMY

We are proud to announce that the World War II Veterans Committee & American Veterans Center’ s recent television documentary, Doolittle’ s Raiders: A Final Toast, recently won an Emmy for Best Historical Documentary at the 58th Annual National Capital Region Emmy Awards. This marks the WWIIVC & AVC’ s second win in as many years, following last year’ s win for The Honors: A Salute to American Heroes.

The documentary premiered last Memorial Day at the U. S. Capitol, and aired on PBS stations nationwide. DVDs of Doolittle’ s Raiders: A Final Toast can be ordered by calling 703-302-1012 ext. 214.

6 AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY