Memorial Day Parade Program 2025
Monday, May 26, 2025
Falls Church, Virginia
Inside This Program:
Page S2 Veterans Ceremony Information
Page S4 Letter from the Mayor
Page S6 Memorial Day Schedule
Page S8 Parade & Festival Map
Page S9 Memorial Day Vendor List
Page S13 Parade Lineup
Memorial Day Ceremony 2025
Welcome
Master of Ceremonies Sgt. Maj. Robert Petillo, United States Army Chorus (Ret.) and Letty Hardi, Mayor, City of Falls Church
Invocation
Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church
Posting of Colors and National Anthem
Color Guard, American Legion Post 130: The City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the Direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band
Presentations, Announcements, & Remarks
Jorome Gibbon, Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council
FCCPS Purple Star Schools & Military Family Recognition
Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Keynote Address
The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps
Church Veterans Memorial 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22046 This program was prepared by representatives of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council (www.gfcvcouncil.com), including the
Sipes Post 9274,
Presentation of Wreath in Memory of Departed Veterans
Sara Madden, Falls Church Chapter NSDAR; Ken Morris, George Mason Chapter SAR; Escorted by Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and Howard Chatham, LCDR, United States Navy (Ret.)
MIA Flag Posting & Remembrance
Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and David Crance, Chaplain, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9274
Reading of the Names of the Fallen Taps
MGySgt. John Abbracciamento, United States Marine Band (Ret.)
Retiring of Colors
Color Guard, American Legion Post 130
Benediction
Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church
God Bless America
City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band
Veterans, Northern Virginia Base, Northern Virginia WWII Veterans, the Veterans Memorial Committee, and dedicated volunteers under the coordination of the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks division. Citizen participation is encouraged. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call (703) 248-5077 (TTY 711).
SUMMER AT THE ROW
FITNESS LIVE MUSIC KIDS PARTY
6:30PM - 7:30PM FOUNDERS GROOVE JUNE - AUGUST THURSDAYS 6:30-8:30PM
Letter From City of Falls Church Mayor
Welcome to the 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festivities! We are thrilled that you have chosen to spend this day in The Little City.
As we come together this Memorial Day, this holiday serves as a solemn reminder of the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today, we honor their courage and commitment, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory forward. By gathering today, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving their legacy and the freedoms their sacrifices have secured for us all.
I invite you to join the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council at 11:00 a.m. for the Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will take place outside the Community Center at the Veterans Memorial and will provide an opportunity to honor our veterans and recognize those who continue to serve our country. The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, will serve as our keynote speaker.
At 2:00 p.m., join us along Park Avenue for the beloved annual Memorial Day Parade led by the Quantico Marine Corps Band. This year, we are proud to have Brown’s Hardware as our Grand Marshal. Brown’s Hardware has served our community with unwavering dedication for over 140 years and exemplifies the spirit of connection and community that defines our Little City.
Every Memorial Day, the City of Falls Church unites with communities across the nation to pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for our country. Let this day serve as a reminder of those who have served and the enduring impact and the freedoms we cherish because of their selflessness. Together, we can honor their sacrifices by striving to make our world a better place for generations to come.
We appreciate and thank you for joining us on this day of remembrance and community here in the City of Falls Church.
Letty Hardi, Mayor City of Falls Church, Virginia
Monday, May 26, 2025, City Hall Grounds (300 Park Ave.)
9 a.m.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Beyer 3K Fun Run
Start Line at Great Falls St. & Little Falls St. Intersection Runners Only, Rollerblades and Bikes Not Permitted
Festival Kids Rides & Inflatables, Vendor Booths, Food and Crafts for Sale
Live Music on the Main Stage Road Street Avenue - Local Cover Band
Memorial Day Ceremony
Veterans Memorial, Outside the Community Center, Keynote Speaker: Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia's 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps
INOVA Blood Drive
Appointments at the INOVA Bloodmobile, Outside the Community Center on Little Falls St.
Parade on Park Ave.
Led by Grand Marshal Brown’s Hardware & the Quantico Marine Corps Band
Cherry Hill Farmhouse
Cherry Hill Barn
Cherry Hill Pavillion
www.fallschurchva.gov/MemorialDay
= Memorial Day Parade and Festival Sponsor
Vendors
Index Coffee Roasters LLC
Asian Taste
Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy
Mo's Chicken and Smashburgers
Sara Festival
E-san Thai
Papa's Kettle Korn
Johnson Family Funnel Cakes
Sweet Frog International Grill
Snowflakes and Company
Mo's Grill
Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy
California Taco Truck
Virginia Vendor Food Services
TK Grill
Renewal by Andersen
KidsWatch Pediatrics and Urgent Care
Kitchen Saver
Passanante's Home Food Services
Social Justice Committee of FC Vicinity
Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation
VPIS
Falls Church Public Access
Save Soil
Falls Church Homeless Shelter
The Kensington Falls Church
City of Falls Church Sheriff's Office
Welcoming Falls Church
The Falls Church Episcopal
Falls Church Chamber of Commerce
Palmercare Chiropractic
Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department
Baroody
of Nuts
Temalle Ltd
Merchants, Crafts, & Civic Groups
Make New Friends
Frosted By Kaitlyn
True Honey Teas
Minda S Fashions
Falls Church Family Dentistry
Milena Guro Designs
Information Booth - Recreation & Parks
Roots of Development
Zana De Mexico
Yisoobinaturals
PatchDanas
C. Logan Wheeler Art
New England Novelty
Grandma Mary's Buttons & Bows
Alyssa Bazaar
Courtney Lapenta LLC
Cutco
Perspire Sauna Studio
Itumary
Loco Lights and Bubbles
City of Falls Church Police Department
League of Women Voters Falls Church
Concerned Citizens Against Gun Violence
Barre3 Falls Church
Happy Henna Guy
Creative Cauldron
Dulin Cooperative Preschool
Hometown Go
Seven Teahouse
Unity Club No. 201 Order of the Eastern Star
Temple Rodef Shalom Gun Violence Prevention Group
Falls Church Massage
Mayuree Women Accessories
Institute for Asthma and Allergy
Paragon Theaters Founders Row
Communidad
Designs By Punnee
Rotary Club of Baileys Crossroads
Beyer Family- Fun Run Sponsor Heidi Hicks Clary, Weichert Realtor- Fun Run Water Sponsor The Falls
8. Meridian High School Parade Royalty
9. Greater Falls Church Veterans Council 10. Falls Church VFW Post 9274
Memorial Day Parade Lineup
11. Mary Riley Styles Public Library
12. Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department
13. Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department
14. The Falls Church News Press
15. Fraternidad Embajadores del Folklore Boliviano
16. Commonwealth Attorney’s Office of Arlington & Falls Church
17. Stirling Findley
18. Nokesville 4-H Equestrian Club
19. Girl Scouts Service Unit 50-14
20. Mini Moke
21. Friendship Woodridge International Marching Eagles
22. Scouting America Troop 1996
23. Falls Church Kiwanis Little League
24. Underdog
25. The DC Wheels
26. Tinkus San-Simon Filial Virginia
27. 1947 Dodge Deluxe Club Coupe
28. Cub Scout Pack 681
29. Operation EarthWatch
30. Falun Dafa of Washington DC
31. McKinley Tech JROTC
32. Dr Toothfairy
33. Tinkus Wapurys VA
34. Concerned Citizens Against Gun Violence
35. Creative Cauldron
36. Cub Scout Pack 657
37. Kena Shriners
38. Ruff Ridaz Performance Percussion Squad
39. Marcus Simon for Delegate
40. Lisa Leonard Photography
41. Falls Church City 4-H Community Club
42. Bikenetic - Full Service Bicycle Shop
43. Iconic Marching unit
44. Falls Church City Democratic Committee
45. Girl Scout Troop 50290
46. MahaYoga
47. NOVA Parks
48. Tinkus Bolivia usa
49. The Kensington
50. Scouting AmericaCub Scout Pack 1127
51. Paragon Theaters Founders Row
52. Save Soil
53. Winsome for Governor
54. Tinkus Tiataco USA
55. City of Falls Church Public Works Dept
MEMORIAL DAY
Falls Church VFW Auxiliary 9274 Rebuilds, Reconnects & Honors Through Community Service
by Nick Gatz Falls Church News-Press
Since its reestablishment in March 2022, the VFW Auxiliary to Post 9274 in Falls Church has steadily grown into a vital part of the local veteran and civic community. Originally chartered in 1947, the Auxiliary now has 35 active members and is focused on promoting patriotism, honoring military families, and giving back through outreach and educational initiatives. Open to any family members of combat veterans—not just former service members—the Auxiliary plays a unique role in strengthening ties between veterans, their families, and the wider Falls Church community.
“People sometimes think it’s just for veterans,” says Cathy Soltys, Auxiliary President. “But our mission is to honor and support families, too—those who’ve shared in the sacrifice.”
The group meets monthly and works closely with the VFW to organize fundraisers and events that raise awareness and funds for veterans’ causes. One of the national initiatives the Auxiliary proudly supports is the VFW National Home—a campus that provides housing, schooling, and recreational support to military and veteran families facing hardships. All Auxiliaries across the country contribute to this effort, keeping the Home thriving as a beacon of hope and healing.
Locally, the Auxiliary is deeply involved in student outreach through scholarship and arts programs. They promote the Patriot’s Pen essay contest (grades 6–8), Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest (grades 9–12), and a patriotic art competition for high school students. Winners have the chance to advance to state and national levels, where scholarships can reach up to $35,000. “We reach out to schools and encourage teachers to get involved,” says Soltys. “It’s about inspiring the next generation with the values of service and country.”
Community events are at the heart of their mission. Each September, Post 9274 hosts a 9/11 Memorial 5K Walk/Run to honor those who sacrificed on that day.
Now in its third year, the event will take place Sunday, Sept. 7. It’s free and open to the public, featuring a post-run cookout at the VFW post, with support from local sponsors including Lazy Mike’s, Integrity Tire & Auto Repair, Lotus Tactical (which designs the event t-shirts), Harveys, and VIGEO Physical Therapy, which provides water and on-site support. Fire and police personnel attend in uniform, and volunteer firefighters provide ambulance service. Participants can run, walk, or complete the route in military-style with a rucksack.
“We don’t want people to forget,” says Soltys. “This is about remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.”
Another unique partnership this year has been with Arena Stage and their Voices of Now program.
The VFW Auxiliary sponsors the Military Ensemble, a group of middle and high school students from military families who create a collaborative theater piece using movement, music, and spoken word. From February through early May, students met weekly at the VFW hall every Thursday for two-hour sessions with professional adult facilitators. Their final performance was held May 10 for family and friends, sharing powerful personal stories of growing up in military households.
Beyond civic work, the Auxiliary also prioritizes building a sense of camaraderie and fun.
From bowling nights and cookouts to family-friendly events like the Adults Only End-of-School Bash with a special appearance by Villains and Saints Band, on May 31 at 6:00 p.m., there’s something for everyone. Soltys and her daughter Lillian, who together manage the Post’s Canteen and Hall, say these events help reinforce the Auxiliary’s mission of family, remembrance, and support.
Cathy Soltys herself has a deep personal connection to service— her father and father-in-law both served in the Korean War, with her father-in-law also having fought in World War II. Her family legacy runs deep, and both sets of grandparents for her children are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Auxiliary also takes part in local parades and hosts post-event cookouts, which are always free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but the main goal is to provide space for connection and community.
For those interested in getting involved, donating, or renting the hall for events, visit the Post 9274 website or email Cathy Soltys at vfwaux9274@gmail.com.
As the Auxiliary continues to grow, so does its impact—bridging generations, honoring sacrifice, and fostering a community where no military family feels forgotten.
Mark A. Miller, DDS, Melanie R. Love, DDS
2025
MEMORIAL DAY
Honoring the Fallen: The History of Memorial Day in D.C.
Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, this day is marked with solemn ceremonies, parades, concerts, and tributes that reflect the city’s deep connection to the military and its history. From its roots as Decoration Day to its present-day observance as Memorial Day, the holiday has evolved significantly. At the center of its transformation and continued meaning stands Washington, D.C., a city steeped in national memory and military reverence.
Origins of Memorial Day
The origins of Memorial Day date back to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War—a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other and left the nation grappling with grief and division. The war necessitated the creation of the first national cemeteries, as the scale of loss became apparent. Amid this period of mourning, various towns began organizing their own tributes to fallen soldiers, laying flowers on their graves and holding prayerful ceremonies.
In 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day—a time for the nation to honor the war dead by adorning their graves with flowers. It’s believed the date was chosen because it was not associated with the anniversary of any particular battle and because spring flowers would be widely available. This declaration helped unify local traditions into a more coordinated act of national remembrance.
The first major observance of Decoration Day took place that same year at Arlington National Cemetery. Located just across the Potomac River from D.C., Arlington became the symbolic heart of the holiday. The ceremonies were held on the steps of the Arlington House, once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. That day, thousands of participants, including political figures like General and
Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, gathered to pay tribute. Children from orphan homes and members of veterans’ groups helped decorate the graves, walking among headstones and placing flowers as hymns echoed through the cemetery.
Evolution into a National Holiday
For decades, Decoration Day was primarily associated with the Civil War. However, as the United States became involved in other conflicts—including the Spanish-American War and World War I—the meaning of the day expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service.
Following World War I, with the toll of global warfare fresh in the nation’s consciousness, communities across the country began commemorating fallen soldiers from all wars, not just the Civil War. The shift from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day” became more common, and in 1971, Congress officially declared Memorial Day a national holiday. Its observance was fixed to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees and marking the unofficial start of summer.
While many Americans view the long weekend as an opportunity for rest and leisure, the solemn origins of the holiday remain embedded in the nation’s identity. Nowhere is that duality more pronounced than in Washington, D.C.
Memorial Day in Washington, D.C.
As the seat of the federal government and home to some of the nation’s most revered military memorials, Washington, D.C., serves as the epicenter of national Memorial Day commemorations. Its landmarks— etched with the names of fallen heroes—transform each year into gathering places for reflection, gratitude, and solemn ceremony.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery remains the cornerstone of Memorial Day traditions. Each year, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” carry out the
“Flags In” mission—placing more than 260,000 American flags at the headstones of every service member buried in the cemetery. This quiet and reverent operation, conducted in the days leading up to Memorial Day, visually underscores the scale of sacrifice across generations.
On Memorial Day itself, the cemetery hosts the official national ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater. The President of the United States traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn monument honoring unidentified service members. The ceremony is attended by military leaders, Gold Star families, and citizens, all unified in remembrance. The echo of a bugle playing “Taps” resonates over the marble stones, stirring a shared sense of national mourning.
The National Memorial Day Parade
After a decades-long hiatus, the National Memorial Day Parade returned to Constitution Avenue in 2004, quickly reestablishing itself as a vibrant and patriotic centerpiece of the day’s events. The parade is now one of the largest Memorial Day events in the country, featuring veterans from every major U.S. conflict, active-duty military units, high school and college marching bands, historical reenactors, and celebrity tributes.
The parade doesn’t just celebrate military history—it educates the public. With televised broadcasts and commentary, viewers are reminded of the service and sacrifice behind the uniforms. Many participants walk in honor of fallen comrades, wearing their names and stories on their backs or carrying banners of remembrance.
National Memorial Day Concert
Held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert blends music and storytelling in a moving tribute to military service. Since 1989, the concert has become a beloved tradition, broadcast to millions of viewers across the country. The event features performances by the National Symphony Orchestra,
military ensembles, and popular artists, as well as dramatic readings that share the personal experiences of soldiers and their families.
Each year, the concert focuses on specific themes—such as honoring military nurses, spotlighting POW/MIA awareness, or highlighting the sacrifices of caregivers and Gold Star families. These narratives help personalize the cost of war and connect abstract patriotism to real human experiences.
Memorial Day’s Broader Significance
While Memorial Day is rooted in remembrance, it also signals the start of summer in the United States. The long weekend is marked by family barbecues, beach outings, and community festivals. But even amid recreation, many Americans take time to attend memorial services, visit cemeteries, or observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m., the nationally designated time for remembrance.
In Washington, D.C., the juxtaposition of solemnity and celebration is palpable. Tourists crowd the National Mall, yet many pause to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where thousands of names etched into black granite evoke tears and reflection. Others walk quietly through the Korean War Veterans Memorial or the World War II Memorial, each space telling its own story of service and loss.
Local Perspectives and Participation
Washington, D.C., is not just a national stage—it’s also a hometown for veterans, military families, and service organizations. Local residents take active roles in Memorial Day observances, from volunteering at ceremonies to participating in community wreath-layings and educational programs.
Veteran advocacy groups often host open houses, community barbecues, and panel discussions during the holiday weekend, fostering intergenerational dialogue about war, peace, and patriotism. Schools throughout the region prepare students with lessons about the holiday’s meaning, sometimes organizing visits to memorials or inviting veterans to share their stories in
the classroom.
Faith communities also contribute to the remembrance. Churches and synagogues hold special services honoring those lost in service, often reading aloud the names of local residents who gave their lives. These intimate ceremonies ground the national observance in neighborhood reality.
Memorials Beyond the Mall
While the National Mall features some of the most wellknown military monuments, Washington, D.C., is home to dozens of smaller, deeply meaningful memorials that are often overlooked by tourists. The District of Columbia War Memorial, nestled among trees near the Reflecting Pool, honors the 499 Washington residents who died in World War I. Its rotunda-style design offers a tranquil space for reflection away from the crowds.
Other tributes include the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial on the Potomac waterfront, which commemorates those lost at sea, and the African American Civil War Memorial in the U Street Corridor, which honors the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom and unity.
Each of these memorials adds texture to the story of American service, reflecting the diversity of backgrounds, duties, and sacrifices that define the military experience.
Memorial Day stands as one of the most profound civic observances in American life. In Washington, D.C., the day’s significance is magnified by the city’s role as the guardian of national memory. Through its ceremonies at Arlington, its grand parades and concerts, and its quiet corners of remembrance scattered throughout the city, D.C. transforms into a living tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.
Amid the bustle of a long weekend, the true spirit of Memorial Day endures in the quiet moment of silence, the solemn lowering of a flag, and the simple act of remembering a name etched in stone. For residents and visitors alike, Washington offers not only the history of Memorial Day but also its heartbeat—steady, reverent, and enduring.
Falls Church News-Press
MEMORIAL DAY
Local Events Honoring Heroes Across the D.C. Metro Area
As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is preparing a wide array of events to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service. From solemn ceremonies to family-friendly festivals, the region offers meaningful ways for residents and visitors to reflect, remember, and celebrate.
Arlington National Cemetery Observances
At Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most sacred grounds, Memorial Day will be observed with powerful traditions. The centerpiece of the day is the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m., followed by a national memorial service at the Memorial Amphitheater.
In the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” will participate in the annual “Flags In” tradition—placing small American flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at each niche in the Columbarium Courts.
National Memorial Day Parade and Concert in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. will once again host the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday afternoon along Constitution Avenue. This parade features active duty military personnel, veterans, marching bands, historical reenact-
ments, and celebrity appearances, all paying tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.
The night before, on Sunday, May 25, the National Memorial Day Concert will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This free event is open to the public and features an evening of patriotic music, celebrity appearances, and tributes to service members and Gold Star families. The event has become one of the most cherished Memorial Day traditions in the country.
Rolling to Remember Motorcycle Rally
Also taking place over the Memorial Day weekend is the annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally, a large-scale ride through the nation’s capital. Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country gather to raise awareness about prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and the ongoing mental health and suicide crisis facing veterans. The powerful visual procession winds through D.C., offering a strong and visible symbol of support for the military community.
Family-Friendly Events Around the Region
In addition to formal observances, several communities around the D.C. region are offering family-friendly Memorial Day events to help residents celebrate the holiday weekend: Rockville, Maryland will host its annual Hometown Holidays Music Fest over the weekend, featuring live performances, food trucks, craft vendors, and children’s entertain-
ment. The city’s Memorial Day ceremony will follow on Monday morning.
Bowie, Maryland will hold its Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 24, with floats, community groups, and live music honoring military service and sacrifice.
Georgetown Waterfront Park will be a popular destination throughout the weekend, with visitors enjoying picnics, walking trails, splash fountains for children, and waterfront views of the Potomac.
Taps Across the National Mall
A newer tradition that continues to gain
momentum is “Taps Across the National Mall,” scheduled for 5 p.m. on Memorial Day. At exactly that moment, buglers will perform “Taps” at 11 separate memorial sites throughout the Mall, including the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This solemn, simultaneous tribute invites everyone in the area—whether attending a concert, visiting a memorial, or simply enjoying the city—to pause for a moment of national reflection.
The Homes For Sale i didn't want to be
Falls Church News-Press
