What does the Freedom 250 theme mean for the DC Memorial Day parade?

The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC is considered the nation's largest annual Memorial Day event, and this year there will be an extra reason to celebrate.

As the United States prepares for its 250th birthday, this year's parade will be a part of the months-long festivities.

Here’s what to know about this year’s Memorial Day parade, which will carry the Freedom 250 banner.

How the National Memorial Day Parade will honor America 250

More than 300,000 attendees are expected to attend this year's parade, with 5,000 participants from all 50 states.

"A 'moving timeline of American history,' the National Memorial Day Parade shares the story of service and sacrifice across our first 250 years, filled with musical performances and marching bands, uniformed service members and veterans, historical re-enactors and celebrities, along with honored families of our fallen," event organizers say.

The three-hour parade begins at 10 a.m. on Constitution Avenue. It will travel from 7th Street to 17th Street NW, going from the National Archives Building to just past the White House.

Tickets are free and there is no reserved seating. The American Veterans Center, which puts on the parade, says the National Archives steps provide one of the best views.

If you can't make it in person, you can watch on YouTube and it will also be broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations nationwide.

"The National Memorial Day Parade is a moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day," organizers say. "It draws on the tradition of Memorial Day parades, going back to the beginning of the holiday just after the Civil War, to create a family friendly event aimed at calling attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day – honoring our fallen heroes."