Memorial Day parade draws thousands to Washington for 250th anniversary events

Thousands flocked to the nation's capital Monday for the Memorial Day parade, with attendees gathering for the first of many official 250th anniversary celebrations taking place this summer. High school bands from Arkansas to Massachusetts played patriotic tunes such as "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "The Liberty Bell March" as veterans from Operation Desert Storm and the Vietnam and Korean wars boarded floats to wave at spectators lining Constitution Avenue Northwest.

Hundreds of people camped out on the steps of the National Archives, the official parade starting point, as MCs announced the next group to begin marching west toward the Washington Monument.

m. start. Light rain resumed on cue as the crowds thinned out three hours later. National pride was beaming from the families, couples and locals from the D.C. region who lined the parade route, many of whom were decked out in red, white and blue to honor those who gave their lives in the defense of the country.

Attendee perspectives A couple flew in from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to join in the Memorial Day weekend festivities near the National Mall. The man's father fought in World War II and was on a ship near Iwo Jima when Marines raised the U.S. flag on the Japanese island in February 1945.

The woman said the couple went to the National Memorial Day Concert the night before on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and were eager to watch the procession Monday.

“We are very proud to be here. It makes you realize the sacrifices that were made 250 years ago were part of an amazing experiment that is still working today.”

Some other paradegoers felt the event could have used a bit more sizzle. One attendee who was in town with her husband from Lafayette, Indiana, complimented President Trump's efforts to deck out the District with flags marking the nation's 250th birthday.