A model for parade honoring America

I have always enjoyed a parade. I was part of several St. Patrick's Day Parades and always enjoy Mount Prospect's Fourth of July parades.

One parade stands out in my memory (I'm 84). Chicago's Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Parade of 1986. The parade was less than three miles long. It organized in Olive Park and marched down LaSalle Street. They expected 125,000 to March but 200,000 showed up. About 500,000 people watched from curbside.

There was no grand marshal to lead the parade, just a vet caring the U.S. flag. There were no marching bands or floats or dignitaries, and I don't recall any high ranking officers.

Somehow they were organized into their particular units with small banners identifying groups from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air force. They did not marc. They just walked with their Bands of Brothers and Sisters along with their families. So the only thing on wheels were strollers or wheelchairs.

At the time I was working downtown, so I was able to skip lunch to watch the parade. I wanted to see my youngest brother, who served in the Marines as a Force Recon Marine. They operated behind enemy lines and saw a lot of combat. He ended up earning two Purple Hearts.

After an hour of viewing, I had to get back to work and it was then I realized I had been clapping for an hour.

So if the president wishes a military parade, I suggest a parade similar to the 1986 Chicago's Welcome Home Parade with no guns, tanks. rockets, dignitaries or reviewing stand. Just a lot of good people who deserve a big thank you.

Tom McGovern

Mount Prospect