We had just gotten back from Afghanistan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, France, Spain, and England. We had to turn around and go to DC because General Yeager had agreed to be Grand Marshall for the National Memorial Day Parade. He saw it as representing and honoring veterans and was honored to do so.
At George Washington’s grave, General Yeager gave a small speech honoring George Washington and veterans. The families there were so excited to (unexpectedly) see General Yeager and hear him speak.
Fascinating tour of our history.
Before the parade, we met Joe Montegna. He told us about an episode coming up the following year about his Vietnam days. I asked: “You are a Vietnam vet?”
JM: Yes. (then after seeing my impressed reaction came clean): No, my character (the character he plays on tv) is.
He wanted General Yeager on the show, but, over 18 months later we haven’t gotten the call 
Many of the military in the parade, came up to shake Gen Yeager’s hand or get a photo with him – so honored.
Just before the parade, there were speeches in front of the VIP viewing stand. They wanted General Yeager to speak for 5-10 minutes. But several politicians wanted to speak so the 10 minutes became 9, then 8, then 7…..then -10, -15.
The best speech I’ve ever heard a politician give was Senator Joe Manchin. He was given 20 minutes. He took 3.5 and said all that needed to be said. Felt like a minute. Politicians should realize we’ll remember them better if their speeches are short because we only quote one line anyway, if any good.
Everyone, of course wanted to hear General Yeager.
He stood in front of the crowd of over 250,000 people and who knows how many millions on tv and radio and said: “Now don’t tell anyone, keep this a secret….but I’ve flown down this avenue at treetop level. Big No No.”
“After General Eisenhower died, Mamie Eisenhower asked if I could plan, lead and execute a fly-by during his funeral procession.
“I responded: Yes, ma’am!
“I called the Pentagon and Andrews to set it up. A two star said: “You aren’t allowed to fly down Pennsylvania Avenue so you will not be doing so.”
“Me: Okay.
“Just in case, though, I led a flight of 8 F-4s from Seymour Johnson to Andrews AFB ready to do the fly by down Pennsylvania Avenue for General Eisenhower.
“However on the day of the funeral, March 31, 1969, probably reflecting how we all felt about General Eisenhower’s passing, the weather was stinkin’ – foggy. The 2 star general made it clear: we were not allowed to fly down Pennsylvania Avenue.
“I got a call there: Yeager, this is General McConnell.
“Me: Yes, sir.
“Gen McC: Do you think you can fly down Pennsylvania Avenue today?
“Me: Sir, can you see the Capitol Dome?
“Gen McC: Just barely.
“Me: Then yes, sir, I think I can.
“Gen McC: Good. Then do it.
“Me: Sir, there’s a two star general here that tells me we can’t do the flight.
“Gen McC: Yeager, do you know who I am
“Me: Yes, sir. General McConnell.
“Gen McC: Right. And do you know what I do?
“Me: Yes, sir. Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
“Gen McC: Then fly down Pennsylvania Avenue.
“Me: Yes, sir.
“The two star was very very unhappy. to say the least.
“I’ll never forget as we were flying down, I was leading two flights of four. The second flight was stacked down. The leader called in: Col, we’re awfully close to the tops of these trees.”
“Me (Gen Yeager): It ain’t the trees you need to worry about, it’s the Capitol Dome that will wipe you out!
“He laughed.
“That’s how Mamie Eisenhower got a formation fly by to honor her deserving, well-respected husband: General Eisenhower.”
After this story, the minders got General Yeager to the start of the parade. One in our party was having heat issues, so I got our minders to get him to First Aid and ultimately the hospital.
I went back to check on General Yeager who was in the lead car. I waved and went over. We chatted and then they turned the corner and the Parade had commenced. I followed him a little. Or tried to.
General Yeager - Grand Marshal - Memorial Day Parade 2012
One huge woman blocked me and told me to get behind the fence. I said, I’m Mrs. Chuck Yeager and I just want to take some video. I’ll hug the fence.
She laughed derisively, said over her shoulder, she says she’s Mrs. Yeager. HAHAHAHAHAHA.
I started laughing.
Another woman came up to complete the linebacker line itching to do a tackle.
Fortunately one of our minders came back in time. The head security on the other side of the fence laughed saying: That woman says she’s Mrs. Chuck Yeager.
Our minder confirmed I was.
There was a collective gasp. The head security apologized, gave me an all area pass.
He added: “You were pretty polite about it all” as the second woman grabbed me and said GO in direction that Gen Yeager’s car had gone catapulting me like a football in the direction General Yeager’s car had gone. When I got my feet under me, I turned around to see the linebackers, the women, had vanished.
The crowd loved seeing Chuck Yeager – one could tell where he was by the cheer in the crowd. A wonderful sound!
What a day!
c. GCYI