The Story Behind the National Memorial Day Parade Honorary Grand Marshals

WASHINGTON, D.C–Here are Iwo Jima veterans Billy Byrd (100) and Don Graves (101), who first met as 19-year-old Marines during World War II when they served in the 28th Marine Regiment. They were tasked with capturing Mount Suribachi, and they watched as their compatriots famously raised the American flag. What was the first thing they did when they got together again? They started talking trash.

Don Graves immediately started busting on Byrd, “Get out of that chair,” and teasing him about having his arms folded, before professing it was great to see him. Don said they were two of the only ones left after 80 years. He teased Billy, saying, “He looks like he’s been through a battle right now.” Billy smiled and waved his flag. 

The two men are in Washington, D.C., to serve as honorary grand marshals of the National Memorial Day Parade, to remember and honor their comrades, as well as so many others like them who gave their lives in the service of this country.

In Byrd and Graves, you can see their brethren who gave their lives, whom we honor, and some of what made the “Greatest Generation” great. We wouldn’t be here today as we are, but for them. They fought, not knowing how it might end, not knowing what the cost would be. And because they did, because so many like them did over the 250 years of this nation, we have endured. 

We will no doubt face many challenges ahead as a nation. Indeed, we face many now. But we see that light that men like Byrd, Graves, and their brethren laid down before us, and can use that to help light our way. 

(Editor’s Note: Read more by Nick Arama, a contributor to Red State at: https://redstate.com./author/nick-arama.)