National Memorial Day Parade 2019: What You Need To Know

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C. is the place to be on Memorial Day, which honors those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country. The centerpiece of the holiday here in the District is the 2019 National Memorial Day Parade, which is open to all who are willing to brave the crowds and head to the National Mall this upcoming Monday.

Here's everything you need to know about the event.

WHAT: The National Memorial Day Parade is held each year along Constitution Avenue on the National Mall, and the event "shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations," according to the website for the American Veterans Center, which sponsors the evnet. This is the 15th year of the parade and it is the nation's largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands to "pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and more importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country."

WHEN: Monday, May 27, 2019 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Constitution Avenue

HOW TO GET THERE: Traveling by car is not advised. There will be numerous road closures and parking will be scarce and far removed from the parade route. Instead, take the Metro into the city. Your best bet is the Orange/Blue/Silver lines, getting off in the area of Federal Triangle or the Smithsonian. You can also take the Yellow/Green lines to Archives. You may need to come hours before the parade to get a good spot.

HOW TO WATCH: The parade will be streamed live to the troops via American Forces Network, and you can stream it live online via YouTube (embedded below). It will also be covered by D.C. radio station WTOP 103.5 FM.

SPECIAL GUESTS: As the parade does every year, there will be a variety of celebrity guests, including:

• Joe Mantegna (star of CBS series Criminal Minds)
• Robert Irvine (star of Restaurant: Impossible)
• Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA)
• Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA)
• Justin Moore (country singer)
• Kiefer Sutherland (actor from 24 and singer-songwriter)
• Quaid & James (featuring actor Dennis Quaid)
• Maelyn Jarmon (winner of NBC's The Voice, season 16)