Veteran has run Lake Forest Day parade for 27 years

On the first Wednesday in August, Lake Forest residents gathered, as they have since 1908, for a day of celebration, organized by the local chapter of the American Legion.

The 110th Lake Forest Day kicked off with a parade with roughly 100 groups marching through the streets. Making sure everything ran smoothly was Vietnam War veteran Vinnie Dolan, who has been responsible for overseeing the parade for the past 27 years.

"It just became a way of life," Dolan said. "I saw the reaction in the community and that it was really something that was precious to the community."

"It's unique when you think about it, having a parade in the middle of the week," Dolan said.

When he returned from Vietnam, Dolan said he was too busy working to find time to help fellow veterans through the American Legion.

"Like most businessmen, I was busy with a 70-hour workweek," Dolan said. "When I was able to slow down, there was a need for me to help out."

Along with running the parade, one of Dolan's duties as a member of the McKinlock Post 264 is placing flags on the resting places of veterans for holidays.

"It is very meaningful to me and my family," said Dolan, who said he volunteers at St. Patrick's Cemetery with his daughter and grandson. "We really make sure that the cemetery and grave sites are clear from debris and are all the way they should look when families come to visit."

• Do you know of veterans helping other veterans, doing good things for their community or who have an interesting story to tell? Share your story at veterans@dailyherald.com.