Sam Washington

Each year the Florida State Association's Historical Program sends veteran members to Washington D.C. to be part of the Parade of Heroes, an annual event held on Memorial Day. This year they sent their distinguished member, Sam Washington. Here's what he had to say about his experience:

When I got back from the 3 day trip to D.C, a lot of people at the Elks were asking me "How did you like it?" At the time, it was hard to explain. Now. I have had the time to think about it. I now know why it was called "Parade of Heroes", Because every stop we made, was a "parade", and we were the only "float" People cheered along the way; we were escorted by "Honor Guards' at every stop. The honor guard consisted of law enforcement personnel; some were JR ROTC, and there was a lot of cheering by passengers at the airports.

We sang patriotic songs as we were being escorted. I don't know if the singing was planned, but it was suggested by Rudy. Apparently he heard me tell another Vet that the experience I felt reminded me of a Frank Sinatra song "The House I Live In" (also known as "That is America to Me").

Rudy then asked if I would sing the song and I told him that I didn't know all the words, so he pulled the words up on his phone. Then I said yes l'd sing the Sinatra song.

After agreeing to sing Rudy or someone else nearby suggested that we all sing "God Bless America" and other patriotic songs. Anyone could start off and we all joined in.

It was Amazing!