By: John Rogers
May 21, 2026
WASHINGTON (7News) — On Memorial Day, D.C. is kicking off the start of this patriotic summer with the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade.
Among the celebrity Grand Marshals joining this year’s parade are famed actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise, Tony Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna, Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson East, 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Adam Vinatieri, Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Vince Wilfork, Golden Globe-Nominated Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, Celebrity Chef and Military Advocate Robert Irvine, and Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.
Very special musical performances will feature Pop Recording Icon Ryan Cabrera, “America’s Got Talent” Finalist Drake Milligan, and Multi-Platinum Country Music Artist Clay Walker, all performing alongside Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force.
The Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade serves as a living timeline of American history, featuring historical re-enactors, military veterans, active-duty personnel, honored families of the fallen, and celebrities and entertainers. Together, they honor the men and women who gave their lives for the United States of America, on our most sacred holiday.
“On this special day, Memorial Day, the sacrifices that we commemorate are what make the freedoms that we celebrate on July 4th possible. So important that we all come together and remember and honor and learn together of our shared history,” said American Veterans Center President Tim Holbert.
Read the full article HERE: https://katv.com/news/nation-world/2026-freedom-250-national-memorial-day-parade-washington-dc-constitution-avenue-musical-performances-grand-marshals-celebrities-military-veterans-entertainers