Beautiful weather saw big crowds at the City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival on Monday, including a few special guests. Highlighted in the parade, in addition to grand marshal Sergeant Steve Rau and parade king and queen Matt Earman and Lilly Constance, were Virginia’s new governor Terry McAuliffe and Falls Church City Public Schools’ new mascot Gertie the Giraffe.

Before the parade stepped off, the Veterans Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial featured remarks by keynote speaker Anthony Griffin, Marine Corps veteran and former City manager, and gave those in attendance a chance to remember and recognize the sacrifice made by service men and women for the country.

(Photos: J. Larry Golfer)