American Valor Quarterly Issue 3 - Summer 2008

A tremendously important part of the National Memorial Day Parade is the inclusion of hundreds of young people in marching bands, youth groups, ROTC, and organizations like the Young Marines, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and National Guard Youth ChalleNGe. They are the ones who will be counted on to carry the legacy of our veterans into the future, and the parade provides them an opportunity to learn about the values of duty, service, and sacrifice so prevalent among our military men and women. Many of these youth organizations volunteer to help carry banners (such as the Young Marines, pictured right), escort veterans and VIPs, and to provide water to those marching in the parade. The National Memorial Day Parade is largely a volunteer effort, and we are very grateful for their support. Mostly, we are grateful for the support of tens of thousands of individuals from around the country who have helped make the National Memorial Day Parade into an annual tradition. Their help has enabled it to become the largest Memorial Day parade in America in only a few short years, a testament to their dedication and to the public’s desire to ensure that we never forget the sacrifices made by those who have come before. AVQ All photos courtesy of the American Veterans Center. A Special “Thank You” To Our Sponsors... The National Memorial Day Parade would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. From television coverage and parade floats to food and accommodations for the parade participants, it is because of them that the parade was a success. We thank each of them for their support of the parade, our veterans, and our men and women in uniform. The Nation of Kuwait U-Haul TriWest Healthcare Alliance The Perot Foundation U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Booz Allen Hamilton Commerce Bank CACI Fund Raising Strategies The Dodge Jones Foundation Argon ST Raytheon United Technologies Subway Trader Joe's The Washington Times Marriott Hotels AMVETS Soldiers Angels Harris Teeter The musical group “United We Sing” performs on a float sponsored by U-Haul in the 2008 National Memorial Day Parade. We are especially grateful for the support of thousands of individuals from around the country, including the following who contributed $500 or more: Tutt Bradford Joan Crawford Hannah Cunningham Julian Gingold Richard Hurley Neil Jacoby Malcolm Jeffrey Lunsford Richardson J. Peter Ricketts Charles Robinson AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY - Summer 2008 - 7 Betty Rose Carl Salonites Ann Seibert Neusa Skeoch Patricia Walker

American Valor Quarterly Issue 3 - Summer 2008 | Page 7