VOA标准英语2015--华盛顿游行纪念阵亡美军将士

Washington Parade Honors Those Killed Serving in US Military 华盛顿游行纪念阵亡美军将士

Every year, on the last Monday in the month of May, millions of Americans  honor the memories of those killed while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day is a tradition that dates back to the 19th Century.

While many people celebrate the federal holiday with a barbecue and a day off from work, for those who’ve served in the military, it’s a special day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day in Washington. A parade honoring the more than 1 million American men and women who’ve given their lives serving in the military.

“It’s awesome¹. It’s really exciting. It’s really lively," said Sofia Aman, of Saskatchewan, Canada. "It’s nice to see everybody’s national pride and to remember the veterans.”

“It’s a great day to just show respect for all the soldiers that risk their lives for us on a daily basis,” said Brittany Porter of Washington, D.C.

Appreciative² crowd

The crowd of thousands watched as the patriotic³ display marched along Constitution Avenue.

“I appreciate the freedom that we have in America, and I think that we owe it all to our veterans that have gone before,” said Caroline Kiggins of Alexandria, Virginia.

Rachel Steiner of Fairfax, Virginia, said, "I come from a military family, so it means so much to be here just to honor my parents; honor my grandfathers, uncles and aunts who all served in the military. It’s very meaningful for me.”

“It’s quite an honor here, because as Korean veteran, a lot of people come up and shake hands. It’s great,” said Norb Zahler, a Korean War veteran from Minneapolis Wisconsin.

Sacred memories

Others, who had lost friends or family in combat, came to honor the memories of those killed in the line of duty.

“It means a lot to me. I lost a father in Afghanistan back in 2006, so Memorial Day means a lot to me, and it means a lot to others who have lost loved ones overseas, as well,” said Benjamin Supalee, from York, Pennsylvania.

“It means a lot. I remember a lot of my friends that weren’t able - did not come home," said Bob Ryan a Vietnam War veteran from Illinois. "It’s a special day to remember. Remember those that serve and remember those that were unable to serve.”

“I love it. It makes me cry. It really does. It’s very emotional,” said Bob Hornbaker, a Navy veteran from Virginia.

Memorial Day is about fallen veterans - men and women who’ve given their lives in combat. And every year, if only for a day, a nation remembers those who’ve sacrificed everything in the name of the United States.

1 awesome   

adj.令人惊叹的，难得吓人的，很好的

参考例句：

• The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
• That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.

2 appreciative   

adj.有鉴赏力的，有眼力的；感激的

参考例句：

• She was deeply appreciative of your help.她对你的帮助深表感激。
• We are very appreciative of their support in this respect.我们十分感谢他们在这方面的支持。

3 patriotic   

adj.爱国的，有爱国心的

参考例句：

• His speech was full of patriotic sentiments.他的演说充满了爱国之情。
• The old man is a patriotic overseas Chinese.这位老人是一位爱国华侨。