A day for heroes

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By Tom LoBianco

When Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney joined the Army in 1944, World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific, and he was brought in to entertain the troops.

To him, like many others, Memorial Day has a special meaning.

"We were doing shows at 1 and 2 in the morning. We were seeing schools turned into operating rooms," he recalled yesterday.

"At one time, we were in the forest, with bombs coming down around us. I said, 'Hang on, fellas; God will protect us,' " the 87-year-old said after serving as honorary grand marshal of yesterday's National Memorial Day Parade.

"We played to heroes. I'm just glad to have been a part of it."

The annual Memorial Day tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the United States took place across the region.

The parade made its way along Constitution Avenue in a stream of veterans carrying flags, high-school marching bands and even a couple dressed as George and Martha Washington.

This year's parade paid special tribute to soldiers in the Army and Army Reserve, including Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, the highest-ranking enlisted man in the Reserve.

Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna joined Mr. Rooney as honorary grand marshals.

The joyous mixed with the somber when Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund sang "America, the Beautiful," which was shortly followed by a riderless horse, honoring fallen military leaders.