Bill Dawson was honored to march in the National Memorial Day Parade May 30, 2016. He was joined by other WWII veterans and the Grand Marshals Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna. The weather called for 100% chance of rain due to Tropical Storm Bonnie, yet the rain held off, making for a perfect parade day. Bill gave Gary and Joe a copy of his book and enjoyed meeting them and the other notables at the event. Click here for more information about the parade and here for the press release.
Lt. Turnell from the Washington, DC Fire Department helped get Bill to the parade and the fire station near the event gave him a nice place to relax before the line up time.
The veterans were given a cool place to sit while waiting for the parade to start where they could meet and talk to other parade participants.
The WWII veterans were lined up on 1940’s era cars.
Parade Grand Marshalls Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna took time to meet and chat with each veteran, including our very special Bill Dawson.
The WWII veterans posed with Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise just before the parade started.
Bill Dawson ensconced in a vintage green Packard at the parade start.
Bill Dawson nearly ready to roll.
Bill Dawson rolling down Constitution Avenue in the 2016 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.
