MVAA withdraws from National Memorial Day Parade
Courtesy of Joy Tillman-DeFerrari
Citing costs, the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) has withdrawn its Regimental Fife & Drum Unit from participation in the National Memorial Day Parade in 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Calling the decision “painful and heartrending,” MVAA leadership determined that the financial burden associated with travel, lodging, transportation and related expenses – combined with concerns related to the current national climate – makes participation neither feasible nor in the best interest of the students and the families MVAA serves.
MVAA planned to take 100 members to the parade with the 46th Regimental Brass Band, 40 members strong, expected to accompany the fife and drum unit as well as a group of about 30 Civil War reenactors. They were to be the only Civil War unit in the parade.
“We are incredibly proud of every member of the Regimental Fife & Drum Unit,” said Annette Buffer, MVAA president. “Their talent, discipline and commitment represent the very best of our mission. The decision was not a reflection on them in any way, but rather a recognition of financial and environmental factors beyond our control. Our obligation will always be to protect both our students and the long-term health of our organization.”
The National Memorial Day Parade is the largest Memorial Day event in the nation. The 2026 parade marks the 20th anniversary of the parade.
MVAA formed the fife and drum unit in 2022 with 13 members and has since increased its membership with a plan to eventually expand to 30 members of all ages.
The unit was to join groups from 50 states in the annual parade. Fundraisers were underway to raise cash to cover the costs of the trip.
“All donations received specifically for this effort will be returned in full to their original donors,” said Mark Smith, founder and CEO of MVAA. “We remain fully committed to the future of the Regimental Fife & Drum Unit, and we will continue investing in performance opportunities that are financially responsible and mission-aligned. This ensemble is an important part of who we are – and it will continue to thrive.”