HSU’s World-Famous Cowboy Band and Six White Horses Represented Texas in National Memorial Day Parade
Hardin-Simmons University’s World- Famous Cowboy Band and the famed Six White Horses proudly represented Texas as the only college from the state to participate in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade held May 25 in Washington, D.C.
The nationally televised event brought together participants from all 50 states to honor fallen service members. With President Donald Trump in attendance, this year’s parade also contributed to the nationwide celebration leading up to America’s 250th birthday. The livestream reached audiences across the country and around the world.
Reestablished in 2005, the National Memorial Day Parade has become the nation’s largest Memorial Day observance, drawing hundreds of thousands along Constitution Avenue and millions more through broadcast coverage. The parade serves as a tribute to American military service, highlighting the legacy and sacrifice of those who have served from the nation’s founding to the present day.
“We are incredibly honored to represent Texas and Hardin-Simmons University on this national stage,” said Jay Lester, Director of the Cowboy Band. “We carry a deep tradition of pride and respect, and it was a privilege to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes in such a meaningful way.”
Known for its distinctive western style and rich history, the Cowboy Band, one of the oldest collegiate bands in Texas, alongside the iconic Six White Horses delivered a uniquely Texan presence in the nation’s capital, showcasing HSU’s heritage to a national and global audience.
