Lions Clubs March in the National Memorial Day Parade More info coming

More than 100 Lions Club members marched down Constitution Avenue with their purple banners held high for the National Memorial Day Parade, despite the ongoing heat wave and advisory. Hydration was key with refreshing Pepsi products, generously donated by the local bottler.

SiriusXM radio host, Joe “The Black Eagle” Madison and Lions Clubs Past International President Clement “Clem” Kusiak rode the float “Saluting our Military – Beacons of Hope” with a dozen Lions military veterans who had served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They were joined by fellow Lions from Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware carrying their club banners 

“It was a scorcher but worth every step,” said Lions District Governor Sandi Halterman. “We must remember those brave soldiers who have endured many more hardships in order for us to live in the great country we have here today.”

This is the third year Lions Clubs have participated in the parade. In past years, over 200 Lions from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia have marched in the National Memorial Day Parade.

Lion veterans will be wearing sashes in recognition of their years of service. These Lions have proved themselves heroes on the battlegrounds, in the air, on the sea, and they continue to serve their communities today.

Madison is the host of the weekday morning coast-to-coast show on Sirius/XM Channel 128 "The Power" every Monday - Friday, 6am to 10am ET and WOL-AM in Washington DC. He is recognized as a human and civil rights activist, abolitionist against slavery in Africa, television commentator, columnist and lecturer.

Kusiak, of Linthicum, MD, is the permanent parade marshal of the Lion Delegation of the National Memorial Day Parade. He is the founder of the Kusiak Lions Youth Foundation that empowers young people to help themselves and others through activities supported by local Lions Clubs and their communities. Kusiak is the highest-ranking member of the regional international family of Lions in the national capital area.

The 2011 National Memorial Day Parade included a very special tribute to the fallen of September 11, as we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Its focus was on the sacrifices of the Special Operations community, who is leading the fight in the current operations in Afghanistan. Other themes touched on included the Centennial of Naval Aviation, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Lions are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.