Politicians don't belong in parades

Each year I walk over to some spot along the parade route in Arlington Heights to watch the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades.

I stand and clap as "Old Glory" goes by and cheer for the military veterans who walk by or sit humbly in vehicles seemingly embarrassed that they would be honored for their service.

Then come the politicians smiling and waving like rock stars and I search for a good reason why they are in the parade. What do they have to do with remembering our war heroes or the celebration of our freedom? Why do they deserve to be applauded like the war heroes of today and yesterday who secured that freedom?

If any of them are current or former military servicemen, why are they not walking in anonymity or sitting humbly in the vehicles like the other veterans?

These people are supposed to be servants of the people not idols, so if they are to be servants and be in a parade, they should carry a bucket and shovel and walk behind the horses. In humility.

Jim Wolf

Arlington Heights