The modern Parade, begun in the 1920s, was organized to celebrate the life of an extraordinary patriot who had an enormous impact on Alexandria. Units from the KENA Temple, the American Legion, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Military District of Washington, were prominent in the early parades and are still important today. The fire trucks from the Alexandria Fire Department, the legions of marching Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the music of the local school bands that have delighted generations of Alexandrians continue to inspire and delight children of all ages. General and Lady Washington are remembered throughout the day; especially by the historical and reenactment units that represent periods from the eighteenth-century to the twentieth, each adding their own spectacular color and pageantry. To those traditional elements there is always something new that makes each Parade unique. We honor our local heroes and celebrate the anniversary of a community organization or business. We are thrilled by accomplished local performance groups just as we marvel at the unusual animals—from greyhounds to llamas—that enliven the Parade. Local groups with a special interest or hobby, like bicyclists or boaters or dog owners, make a contribution to the show as well.
The Parade is still the largest single event held in Alexandria each year; it has remained so for all this time primarily because it celebrates the vitality and diversity of this remarkable community. It lets Alexandrians come together and enjoy one another.