To designate the National Memorial Day Parade, and for other purposes.

H.R. 4845 would officially designate the National Memorial Day Parade held in Washington, DC as the “National Memorial Day Parade.” The bill provides a short set of findings about the parade’s history—noting origins in 1942, a revival starting in 2004, and its status as a large, nationally televised Memorial Day event. In addition to the designation, the bill authorizes appropriate support from the Secretary of Defense to help carry out the parade in DC. This support could include using active and reserve military units and, with federal funds, displaying small arms and munitions that are appropriate for ceremonial honors. In short, the bill codifies the parade’s official name and, if enacted, would give the Department of Defense a role and potential funding to assist with the event, reinforcing the parade as a national observance honoring veterans and fallen heroes.