WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2025) – Washington Mardi Gras King Rico Alvendia and Queen Kendall Williams presided over the final event of their reign Saturday, a spectacular formal ball with presentations of court princesses and Louisiana festival queens and a mini parade, at the Washington Hilton.
In a special moment during the ball, King Alvendia brought out the Howard University Marching Band in a surprise tribute to Queen Kendall Williams who attends the university.
A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and Bronze Star recipient, King Alvendia dedicated his reign as king of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans to saluting America’s military, veterans and first responders, while showcasing Louisiana’s unique culture.
“I am so honored to have been able to use my reign as a way to highlight my fellow men and women in uniform, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the krewe, our court and our Louisiana leaders and
guests embraced this mission,” said Washington Mardi Gras King Rico Alvendia. “I want to thank Washington Mardi Gras Chairman Troy Carter and our entire congressional delegation as well as
Governor Jeff Landry for making this one of the most memorable Washington Mardi Gras ever and showing how our state is unified in purpose – and celebration.”
Through the theme, “Duty, Honor, Louisiana” King Alvendia sought to bring all Americans together in a show of unity and gratitude to members of the United States armed forces. The theme is
especially timely as Washington Mardi Gras festivities took place the same week as the presidential inauguration.
As part of the weeklong festivities, King Alvendia visited wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; hosted a USO-style
concert headlined by music star Jake Owen attended by combat-injured veterans; invited the renowned West Point Band to perform at various events and included a grog ceremony and solemn
memorial to honor and recognize the sacrifices service members and their families make to the United States and their local communities every day.
Though Washington Mardi Gras comes to a close, King Alvendia continues to celebrate both New Orleans culture and local heroes, through the Mars Hero Fund nonprofit, that raises money to
assist veterans, and with the Legion of Mars, New Orleans’ only Mardi Gras parade with a membership comprised of active duty and veteran military and first responders.
King Alvendia served for 25 years as an officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat operations in Iraq. In 2012, Alvendia co-founded
the Legion of Mars which has helped thousands of military veterans and their families throughout Louisiana during financial hardships and while deployed in service to the country.