99'ers invited to march in Washington DC Memorial Day parade years ago
Veterans of the 99th Infantry Division will take part in the Memorial Day parade May 29 in Washington, D.C.
About 14 nearby 99'ers have expressed a desire to march and it is hoped others from distant places will join in the 10-block walk down Constitution Avenue and hear the spectators shout "thank you!" (It makes them feel good, too.)
Marching units of all sorts from all over the nation will gather on the Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument from which the parade wills tart. Last year there were 170 units, of which the 99'ers were the most good looking!
In addition to WWII units, there were veterans of more recent wars and, believe it or not, a veteran of WWI, Lloyd Brown of Maryland, riding in an antique car.
The Rolling Thunder sounded off, as did high school bands. There were vintage cars, the largest flag in America (a balloon), Native Americans, horses, Boy Scouts, ROTC units, Navy and Army cadets, soldiers and sailors currently serving — and geezers like us.
This year there may be a large contingent of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and even an Air Force fly over! Details are being worked out.
Depending on our placement in the parade, the whole thing takes about three hours from the time of marshaling to the dispersal. There was some seating while we waited on the Mall for the parade to start — NOT the way it used to be for our dress parades 60 years ago!
The WWII Memorial is just past the dispersal point and it may be possible to visit there either before lunch or afterward, depending on our placement in the parade.
Two genuine WWII Willys jeeps have been promised to carry those in the parade who do not march anymore. More vehicles are available if needed.
Arrangements have been made for us to have coffee and Danish in the parish hall of St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill prior to the parade, and for a luncheon there afterward. Transportation from there to the Mall is provided, as is the return from the dispersal point.
Hotel accommodations can be a problem without advance notice because of the thousands who come to be in the parade and to watch it. Make your needs known. We cannot promise good results, but we can try. But you have to make arrangements NOW.
If you can come, contact coordinator Arnold G. Taylor (your favorite MP), 202-547-7962 or e-mail ahnoldt@aol.com, or by regular mail to 507 Third Street SE, Washington D.C. 20003-1933.
