From Middletown to the National Mall: Local Reenactors Join D.C. Parade

Local residents helped bring colonial history to life Monday as they marched in the 250th anniversary National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

The group participated as members of the Virginia Regiment at the request of the American Battlefield Trust. The regiment was the only full provincial regiment raised by the Colony of Virginia during the French and Indian War, which lasted from 1754 to 1763. It also holds a special place in history as the first military command of George Washington, who served as its colonel from 1754 to 1758.

The call for help came just two weeks before the parade, when organizers realized they needed more colonial reenactors. Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV, who portrays Colonel George Washington, helped assemble a group of local historians, authors, and community leaders to fill the role.

Those who marched included local author and motivational speaker Jay Foreman, Clarke County Historical Society Executive Director Nathan Stalvey, Winchester Tales author Mike Robinson, and Harbaugh as Colonel George Washington.

The group marched the full one-mile parade route along Constitution Avenue, from 7th Street to 17th Street. Though rain moved through earlier in the day, the skies cleared in time for the procession.

Thousands of spectators gathered along the National Mall for the parade, which marked one of the first major events in a series of official 250th anniversary commemorations scheduled throughout the summer. Crowds watched as high school bands from states including Arkansas and Massachusetts performed patriotic favorites such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Liberty Bell March.”

Veterans of Operation Desert Storm, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War also took part in the parade, waving from floats as spectators cheered.

The parade began near the National Archives, where hundreds gathered on the steps as announcers introduced each group before they marched west toward the Washington Monument.

Transportation for the local reenactment group was provided by Scott Fink, owner of 5 Star Executive Chauffeuring, LLC, who transported the participants from Middletown to Washington, D.C., and back.

For the local residents who answered the call, the parade offered a chance to honor America’s fallen service members while also sharing an important part of Virginia’s early military history with a national audience.