AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
The Welcome Home Heroes Parade that took place this past Saturday was a huge success! The first event of its kind in the country, thousands of people lined Market Street to honor U.S. troops who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. St. Louis is the first city to honor the troops with a large ‘welcome home’ event, which included two marching bands, 500 motorcycles, over 80 floats, and a visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales! A Veteran’s Resource Center was also assembled inside of the Kierner Plaza at the end of the parade route.
The idea for the parade originated from Craig Schneider, a lawyer, and Tom Appelbaum, a school technology coordinator, who created a Facebook fan page and website to spread the idea. They are currently working to raise $7 million dollars for a national consortium of veterans groups to complete their Welcome Home Challenge.
The Welcome Home Heroes parade ended with a late night tribute at Soldier’s Memorial, where volunteers read all 6,502 names of those who died or were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. The tribute lasted well into Sunday morning.
“I’m just loving it,” said 35-year old Staff Sergeant Chris Green, who signed up for the Missouri National Guard just after the 9/11 attacks. “When I heard this was happening I was chocked up to say the least. With the president cutting back (on the military), for Missouri to pull this together despite everything is just outstanding, absolutely outstanding.” (Reuters).
To learn more about the ongoing efforts for veterans through the Welcome Home Challenge, visit www.MissionContinues.org/WelcomeHomeChallenge to donate to the cause or become a volunteer.
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