St. Patrick’s Parade in St. Charles honors overseas military

For many, St. Patrick’s Day is a festive occasion marked with pints of Guinness, traditional Irish music, corned beef and cabbage.

In St. Charles on Saturday, the holiday took on a somewhat more solemn tone. This year, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was dedicated to American veterans and U.S. soldiers serving across the globe.

The parade, produced by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by McNally’s Irish Pub and other local businesses, started at 3 p.m. and lasted about 45 minutes.

The 12th annual parade featured 85 entries, including Irish dance troupes and pipe bands such as the Dundee Scots and Tunes of Glory.

Jim Rabjohn, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said he drives down every year from Hampshire to watch the floats and pay his respects to other veterans marching in the parade.

“That’s why I have my (Army) unit hat today,” Rabjohn said. “There should be a great emphasis on the present guys (serving abroad).”

Brian Roberson came with two of his children to watch his wife and daughter, who represented the Girl Scouts in the parade.

“I really wasn’t up for it because it’s a little cold out,” Roberson said. “Once you’re here, it’s pretty nice.”

He added, “The kids like it because there’s just so much to see — horses, cars — things they don’t see on a daily basis.”

Although it was cold and overcast, the parade drew hundreds of people, many in full St. Patrick’s Day regalia, to the city’s downtown. Many of them flocked to nearby taverns when the parade ended.

“With all the issues people have had the past couple years, it’s hard to get people to smile,” Rabjohn said. “I think it does a world of good for folks.”

The parade kicks off a whole week of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for McNally’s Irish Pub. For a full schedule of events, visit mcnallysirishpub.com.