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Participants in a parade to honor Iraq War veterans make their way along a downtown street Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in St. Louis. Thousands turned out to watch the first big welcome home parade in the U.S. since the last troops left Iraq in December.
ST. LOUIS -- A St. Louis parade welcoming home Iraq War and other post-Sept. 11 veterans was such a hit that at least 10 other cities around the country are considering similar celebrations.
Organizers of the parade, which drew an estimated 100,000 observers and 20,000 participants in St. Louis on Jan. 28, said Friday that they have been approached by people from Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Tucson, Ariz., Nashville, Tenn., Greensboro, N.C., and Clinton, Iowa.
"The revolution for America to rally in support of our troops has just begun," said Tom Appelbaum, who along with his friend, Craig Schneider, came up with the idea for the St. Louis parade and pulled it off within a month.
In New York City, Speaker Christine C. Quinn and others on the City Council have been pushing for a ticker-tape parade for troops.
"While military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere have not concluded, the fact remains that our military has made commendable achievements in Iraq," Quinn told NBC News. "To that end, a citywide celebration recognizing the incredible contribution these soldiers have made in the name of freedom is in order."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg hasn't backed the idea so far, because officials in Washington "think a parade would be premature while we still have so many troops in harm's way around the world," NBCNewYork.com reported.
"While we are very appreciative of the offer to host a parade to recognize the significant accomplishment of those who have served in Iraq, I have expressed the concern that I don't think it is appropriate while we still have forces engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan,” Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told NBCNewYork.com.
The St. Louis parade was the first major event honoring post-Sept. 11 veterans since the war in Iraq ended in December. Now, organizers in other cities are tapping into their expertise.
PhotoBlog: St. Louis hosts first big parade to welcome Iraq War veterans
Alan Toppel, a 79-year-old retired businessman from Tucson, was in St. Louis Friday to gather information on organizing a similar parade.
"When I saw that this parade was done, and the magnitude of the parade, I was thinking that this is something we can do in Tucson," he said. "This is something we need to do in Tucson."
Toppel said he has received a positive response from civic leaders. He will meet with city officials next week and is moving toward the goal of hosting a parade by the end of March.
The St. Louis parade drew a festive and often emotional crowd. Fire truck aerial ladders hoisted huge American flags over the parade route. Marching bands played "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful." Even the Budweiser Clydesdales clopped along the route.
The loudest cheers, though, were for the troops themselves, many marching in camouflage. Some had tears in their eyes as well-wishers reached out to shake hands or give them hugs.
Schneider and Appelbaum said the idea began in December with a simple conversation between the two of them about why there were no big celebrations to mark the end of the Iraq War. So they sought donations, launched a Facebook page, met with the mayor and mapped a route. The grassroots effort cost less than $40,000.
Some questioned if a parade was even appropriate given the ongoing war against terrorism and the continued deployment of 91,000 troops in Afghanistan. Many of the Iraq War vets interviewed at the St. Louis parade conceded they might be redeployed to Afghanistan.
Still, the response to the parade was overwhelming in St. Louis, and the response from around the nation has been the same, said Army Maj. Rick Radford, a parade participant now volunteering with the Welcome Home Foundation. The foundation, formed by the St. Louis organizers, encourages more parades and seeks funding to help veterans connect with resources as they return home.
Radford said he hopes to see even more cities get involved.
"If we can pull off a parade in 30 days, I believe every city should be able to honor our veterans with a parade," Radford said.
NBC News contributed to this report from The Associated Press.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News
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The US trend towards fascism continues. What do they have to celebrate? I have the utmost respect for those who serve their country, but what has been accomplished in Iraq that warrants parades? Parading your army around for everyone to see is nothing but a demonstration of your country's perceived superiority.
Part of the foundation of fascism is perpetuating the"beauty of violence and the efficacy of will, when they are devoted to the group's success." Look at me with a straight face and tell me that glorifying the military for no particular reason isn't doing just that.
Keep your meth.
Everybody loves a parade.
You don't have to go to any parades. Stay at home.
@Dan: great addition to the conversation. When you have no retort just call the guy a meth-head. Stay classy.
@Indiana: I won't be going, I live in Canada, a land where we don't show off our guns every chance we get.
No, but Sharia law is on the rise.
@countrygirl: you're doing just what your government wants. They've identified the enemy and you as part of the majority are driven to hate it, which is another hallmark of fascism.
In 1987 when my unit marched in the parade to celebrate the Constitution, we were not shown on TV (my dad taped all 8 hours on VHS) and some of the wanna-be-hippes booed us. (Luckily some people started singing the Marine Corps Hymn and drowned them out)
Let these kids march all day if they want to - the sure as hell deserve it more than the so called 99%.
I remember our D.I.s telling us in the 80's we were different since we could wear our uniforms and not get spit on.
Let's not go back to that shall we!
www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=350&hilite=
papag,perhaps you should post about something you know about,like Canada's 2 BILLION dollar Boondoggle to register long guns which did absolutely nothing to stop crime.Pretty dumb move,huh.
Not nearly as dumb as the $15 trillion debt you guys have run up on these pointless wars. I also seem to have a pretty good handle on the subject at hand, but since you're changing the topic I guess you don't.
papag, this parade wasn't to flaunt military power like they do in N Korea or the ex-Soviet Union; it was to show respect and gratitude to those who served. They deserved it and earned it.
How about the presenting of the colours by armed service members in full ceremonial dress? You may not be flaunting military power, but the spectacle you make out your military is at least similar.
I served in the army for 20 years. Saw action and got sot twice. I would not go to a parade just for the veterans coming home now. There already is a parade, many of them in fact, it's called 'Veterans Day.'
Why should communities have parades soley for individuals who served during the last conflict? Their are not enough funds to feed many of these soliders living on the streets, I assure you a parade is the last thing these homeless vets want or need.
Exactly ^^^^
papag, These men and women have spent time away from their families, many have given up seeing their children born, missed Birthdays, Christmas, and slept on dirt while under the constant threat of an insurgent attack or an IED just so we have the freedom to say what we want behind our computer while sitting on our as*es. I'd say a parade is warranted for these guys. I know one who only has 1 leg due to an IED and he still keeps smiling. I do agree that they need more than a parade, they need jobs and hope. That being said, I'd be proud to cheer these young men and women any time on any parade route. They should be proud and I for one am proud of them.
I served in Vietnam than got out of the millitary.I was a mechanic then.I spent many years out then went back in the army in time to go to Desert Storm.Then I went over to Iraq for a while in 2008-09.So I have served in 3 wars for our country.I have always thought it was my duty to serve in the military since I was a half citizen to this country.When I was born my dad was still a Canadian citizen.I was born to an American mother in Peoria Ill.Hence my duty to serve being an American and born an American,the greatest nation in the world.I am retired from the military now,and if they want to have a parade for the younger vets then let them.Even though I was in Iraq for that war,I will stand on the side with my fellow Vietnam and Desert Storm vets cheering them on.The young ones deserve something for their service too.
Ya know papag... I used to like Canadians but you're making me reconsider. Then again I'm guessing you're French Canadian... that would help explain why you're such an a_hole!
I agree with Papag, showing your support for the military in a parade is not what the military families want any way. We want jobs.
I don't recall any parade for Nam Vets, nothing big for Korean Vets - what about them!!! I'm a combat veteran and I support ALL Veterans, regardless of their service. It's nice to hear about the parades, but most Veterans would give up the parade for better health care at the VA Hospitals or Rehab. Centers.
Okay. Let's have a parade in honor of ALL vets.
We can even celebrate a special day for our vets. We'll call it Veteran's Day!
And yes, let's keep the VA.
I would argue the parade is more to rouse support for the military-industrial complex amongst the American people than to actually honour the veterans.
@Papag - I don't agree. And that Military Industrial complex, flawed as it is, is no worse than what other countries have. I voted against Bush both times, but I support the vets. And it would be nice if the VA strove to do a good job taking care of them, instead of the failings I see.
I have a lot of respect for anyone who serves their country, but there are already days for that. I just don't see the reason to parade the army around for no particular reason. They didn't just win a war. Like I already said, I don't believe these parades are as much for thanking the troops as for keeping the American passion for war alive. That's just my opinion. I know it's not a popular one.
papag, I had the opportunity to send one of my soldiers to the NY parade after Desert Storm and he said it one of the greatest experiences of his life. You're certainly entitled to your opinion and I won't disrespect it but I do disagree. I have marched in small Veteran's Day parades in places like Deridder, LA and the people really do appreciate it-both soldiers anda spectators.
I take no issue with Veteran's Day, Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, whatever. I have a lot of respect for those who serve. I just don't understand the value in holding parades across the nation to celebrate a war that was not won and in fact did more harm than good.

papg: I just don't understand the value in holding parades across the nation to celebrate a war that was not won and in fact did more harm than good.
They're not celebrating the war they're celebrating the soldiers. Anyone who has served understands the difference.
Yes, but the soldiers already have two days devoted to celebrating them. Nothing is stopping you from going up to a service-member in uniform and shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. Why do you also need all these parades?
Why do you also need all these parades?
Maybe the citizens of St Louis just wanted to make it perfectly that they appreciate these soldiers' service.
We should celebrate our vets and their return from the Iraq and Afghanistan and thank them for their service. Besides it's not their fault they were sent over there to fight two useless wars. That blame falls comepletely on Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and the rest of the lying warmonger republican party. And all of those parties should be arrested and held for trial. You would think we would of learned something from the Vietnam war!
Makes me all weepy when I remember the thousands of parades to honor us when we came home from Viet Nam. Sarcasm always was my weakest point, but what about it? I received a letter yesterday from the good ole' VA telling me they have denied my claim for PTSD, after I spent a year living in terror that I was going to get creamed by all the rockets and mortars that hit right around us. Enough of that stuff and let's all feel grateful for our freedom that was won by the soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen in all the wars/police engagements around the world, and not by the politicians who sent us there. Give yourselves a big hug and "keep on truckin'".
You read my mind. Thanks for saying it so eloquently!
You fought an illegal war. You had no business going over there
and bothering those people in Vietnam.
Unfortunately, back then the people treated Vets horribly. The Vets should have had parades when they returned from Vietnam, etc. Now there is a lot more respect for Vets, even when we don't believe in the WAR that the Vets are fighting in. Now we have Veteran's Day to honor Vets, and I agree you all should be getting better health care...so should every US citizen. However, there should have been a parade put on by the Obama administration as soon as the Iraq war ended. I honestly can't believe that there wasn't one in Washington. In these tough economic times it may seem frivolous to some to put on a parade, but the wars themselves were what was the waste of $.
Now it is looking like history will repeat itself and those soldiers may soon return to the Middle East, this time to take on Iran. So these soldiers at least deserve a moment in the spotlight before that happens. You should be happy that the soldiers of today are at least revered by the citizens instead of criticizing that you didn't get a parade 40 years ago. Instead criticize the government who has subjected many of these soldiers to depleted uranium and other toxins, and are now getting very sick or dying. Gulf War Syndrome is a real illness, and I can sympathize with what they go through as I have what is called FMS and it has many of the same symptoms. So more parades, and instead let's focus the negativity on the government who thinks nothing of putting our soldiers in harms way. After all War makes lots of $ for the Military Industrial Complex, so they love wars. God help us all if we go to war with Iran...it just may end up in WWIII. China & Russia have pledged to be on the side Iran, and of course the US will back up Israel.
Let me guess that San Francisco and the rest of the sanctuary cities aren't on the list and will hold their cheers for the Gay Pride parades.
Keep your bigotry to yourself.
This is supposed to be an article where people can express their appreciation for our veterans.
Support our vets!
Actually, It would be nice if the City would honor the Vets - It would be quite a coup, and a step towards healing.
I don't want or need a parade, a living wage job that lasts would be better!
Workin' on it.
That's what I was thinking. Instead of spending all that time and money on a parade, the cities shouild throw them a job fair.
I don't like parades, but this is good. The 'Nam vets didn't get the welcome home they should have.
Amen.
I think this is similar to the post Desert Storm parade in NYC and a response to NOT make the same mistake that we as a country made by not honoring the returning Vietnam vets.
The point of the parade is not to signify the end of a war. The end of a war was only a mean for the citizen to show appreciation for the troop.
Thousands died in a foreign land, thousands more will carry wounds for the rest of their lives. There are many meaningful things us civi has and will do for our troop. But a parade is more of a cumulative "Thank you, job well done" salute to our man and women in uniform.
Good job everyone.
I am glad to see people recognizing what our military have done in Iraq and Afganistan.
It's not too late for Korea and Viet Nam.
What worthwhile achievements did they have in Iraq or Vietnam?
For many, they were simply obeying the law - a third of the Vietnam Veterans were Selective Service Draftees - That alone is worthwhile!
papag, while Iraq is not a masterpiece, the dictatorship is no longer in place and elections are held and factions from 3 parties have been elected. While it wasn't a popular war, it's no longer the same as North Korea either so it wasn't a loss. As far as I know, Kuwait is still a sovereign nation also thanks to our troops. That is a WIN! "What worthwhile achievements did they have in Iraq or Vietnam?" For a soldier to willingly fight on any soil for Democracy is worthwhile. Ask the Kuwaitis.
The US fought for democracy in Vietnam? That must've been tough to do while the administration was propping up all those dictators. Come to think of it, that was a tough fight. I'm not blaming the soldiers for being there because they obviously had no choice. I'm saying that was no fight for democracy no matter how you skew it.
and that was worth 4,300 American lives? No, I would tend to say that GWB dropped the ball on this one. Claiming failed intelligence reports isn't enough. This man (along with Cheney and Rumsfeld) need to be brought up on charges for this. All I ever hear is people want politicians to be held accountable for their actions. Well, this would be a good place to start.
I, as a returned Viet-Nam vet - USNR 69 & 70, am glad to see the current vets treated fairly upon their return.
It is my suspicion there are many guilty
consciences out there amongst those who treated us so poorly.A lot of attempted make-up going on.
Just remember you did what you did back then. All the gushing in the world will not undo your behavior.
Larry:
I wish they did treat you better, but I was too young at the time, all I remember was how crappy "they" treated my eldest cousin, my eldest second cousin, and my brother in law - All who served in Vietnam. I was proud of their efforts then and still proud of them now. The is separate of what my feelings are about the command at the top, but Soldiers, Sailors, Air Crew, and Marine obey orders they have no choice. I was a soldier myself - US Army 1985-1989, ARNG 1989-1997 - and sadly (you are very correct) the crud done in the 1970's cannot by undone. But thank you for your service.
Hey LARRY, Thats not me gushing, and many of us remember what you all did back then,seems to me I've seen more vets going back to viet-nam with a guilty conscience than those here for treating returning "Victors"
unfairly, or maybe it's the gushing of USA corporates waiting to get a piece of the rising economic communist
countries.Seems you ended up with 50,000 dead usa soldiers, and killed a whole lot more natives, and still lost big time.. only to rah rah and do it all over again, stuck on stupid
What is it they're celebrating? Here are some choices:
- Illegal military activity (according to national and international law)
- The destruction of American freedoms, which it turns out weren't protected in the first place
- The economic devastation of a debt burden that exceeds GDP
- The murder and rape of innocent Iragis
- The childish and disingenuous reaction to 9/11
- Enriching the military and energy industries and government contractors
- Increasing American intolerance and hatred of others
- The creation of a false Christian association with the government
- Doing other country's dirty work
- The construction of a domestic police state in the US
- Third world diseases the troops brought back
- The regular use of assassination instead of arrest and trial
- The regular use of imprisonment without charge
No, these wars were anti American all along. There's nothing to celebrate.
shootout.I thought we pulled you out of a spider hole and hung you.You must have 9 lives Saddam.
Comparing someone who tells it like it is to Saddam is pathetic. I take it you're fine with the path your country is on? I would certainly hope not, but there are a lot of individuals on this board complicit in their own country's destruction.
Pap old canuck,anymore like you up there???Please keep them north of the border,we don't want you weakening the gene pool.
ever notice how foreigners like Papag always know what's best for America? So,how's that open immigration of Muslims working there.At the rate they reproduce,in 2 generations you Canadians will be observing Sharia Law
Anymore like me? You mean people who see the big picture and are willing to question the status quo? I sure hope so, and I hope they do stay here. They might end up in military detention if they venture south of the border.
Our immigration policies seem to be working just fine. You'd be probably be amazed how far tolerance and acceptance of other groups, not just Muslims, goes in a civilized society. I know that's a foreign concept where you're from. If we're practicing Sharia while I'm still alive I owe you a Coke.
I.M. Curious, people like papag and shootout can't differentiate between the soldier and the war. There's a huge difference-these guys didn't start any war but when called upon to serve they did and they deserve respect for it. And if this parade (which was paid for privately) helps any of these soldiers in their recovery or just makes them feel better it was well worth it.
I can differentiate between the two, but I still don't see the benefit of the parades. There were no nationwide parades when the Canadian troops pulled out of Afghanistan. And please don't say that we're unpatriotic, we have great respect for our troops.
Maybe one of these days Canada will honor their returning vets with a parade. This wasn't a nationwide parade either; this was done by private citizens of St Louis with the approval of the city.
papag,
Total American military manpower: 2,937,899, Total Canadian military manpower:104,243
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_troops
No wonder you guys aren't having parades in Canada. For Christ sake, Mexico has 3 times the military manpower and they're 3rd world!
Canadians fight like these dogs: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/6319595/dog_fight/
First, your population is 10 times that of ours. Second, we don't like to send Canadians to fight and die for no beneficial reason. We're proud of being a nation of peacekeepers. Are you proud of what your military has been used for since the end of WWII?
That's funny pap, because while i fought in Iraq and Afghanistan I fought along side some Canadian forces. It just shows the lack of knowledge you have on this subject. The parades have nothing to do with the actual wars and everything to do with the service that young men and women provided for their country. It is a celebration of the hard work that Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Navy personnel do. All of you who talk down on the military and automatically start playing the blame game don't understand the significance of what this is all about. You never experienced combat, you never experienced the camaraderie of our fellow servicemen. Once you have experienced that then I will take your opinions seriously.
Countries have used parades for centuries to honor their warriors.Greeks would say I will return carrying my shield or being carried on it.
Yes, militaristic countries tend to do that. The more peaceful nations? Not so much.
Canada -hahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahha
Is there something funny about not being hated? Something funny about the fact we don't ship people off to other countries so they can die for no good reason? The only funny thing is the fact you are so far in debt from your military-industrial complex while we're sitting up here being reminded of how good we've got it compared to you.
I support the military and have done so for almost forty years. I grew up in the Vietnam War Era, attending enough funerals to last a lifetime. My two sons served in Iraq and Afghanistan and both will be finished with their service to the National Guard soon. No one can understand the last six years of my life, nor do I ask anyone to do so. My sons, as all soldiers, serve the Constitution and thus those that live and work under it. My sons and I have a 501 c (3) non profit that helps homeless veterans, so I do have some authority with the politics and policies of the military.
Soldiers support and uphold the Constitution, and that means following the will and desires of politicians, of both parties. We can debate the issues of war, reasons and causes for its existence, and the eventual outcome all in hindsight. What a great country we live in that we are able to do this. A greater country looks at the circumstances, values the soldiers that will wage it, and only engage when the options are exhausted. We have used war to stop, prevent, and promote the values and beliefs that those in power had, at the time. Whether we agree or disagree, we are ALL a part of this country. Our leaders are what the majority has elected to represent us all. When you disagree with the policies, DO NOT blame the soldiers, blame those elected or appointed to positions of authority. As for the soldier, nothing can EVER be done, parades, programs, or policies that will come close to paying them back for their service.
F California and the gays if it wasn't for these guys and the many thousands before them we would be speaking German or Russian. Don't let this turnout like Nam. Those soldiers got crapped on by this country cause the politicians wouldn't take responsibility for it. 54000 of our finest died there and many more after from agent orange that the government refused to acknolage was causing liver,heart and lung problems, and refusing to treat them for so many years and then it was too late !
My wife and I are both Iraq war vets, you can keep the parade, just keep a vet in mind if he or she applies for a job at your store or company, and we will be just fine with that. Not saying hire, just take a look, they might fit your needs
D McMillen, I wish you and your wife much success and thank both of you for your service. I for one like the parades because it gives us citizens a chance to say thank you and with the recognition, maybe our government will see that our military men/women mean the world to us and start implementing programs to get our vets the services and jobs they deserve and no longer be swept under a rug.
The parade needs to lead to a job fair in order to be meaningful.
You can find all kinds of reasons to attend a even a few why not.
This great Country of ours gives us that Right. However, no one is going to change the mind of the person or persons who does not have what it takes to go into the military.
They will quote you all kinds of reasons and if that is how they cover their fear so be it.
We in this Country will call you out on the Freedom we enjoy, but will not stand up to keep it. That is someone elses job.
You know the one that is too poor to go to school and become somebody.
One that is can not play football, or baseball or anyother sport. One that is going to make millions.
One who's family is too good to have their children in the militarhy.
One who's color is not the right one for the military.
The one command thing they have is Lack of B A L L S!
How about giving us Vietnam vets just one parade? Thank you.
I think America is too ashamed of the way it treated soldiers, marines and airmen returning from Vietnam that they are afraid to acknowledge their service properly even now.
As one who followed in your footsteps, thank you for your service, dedication and the high standards you set. You and your brothers in arms never quit and gave your all for your nation.
Why you fought an illegal war.
I hate war we've been in to many that said I would go to support my veteran friends not to glory war."69-72"
There is nothing glorious about war. However, those who left the peace of their homes to answer their nations call, should be honored and their sacrifice glorified.
Over 4500 have dies in the last ten years of war (sorry conflict just doesn't cut it.) Prior to that over 55,000 died fighting in Vietnam and 56,000 in Korea. They too have never been honored for their valiant sacrifice.
I'm all for pacifism(not spitting on uniforms or their wearers), and I still feel the vets deserve parades everywhere. They went out and did what they thought was right, and whether or not I agree with them, I respect them tremendously for the sacrifices they have made.
I prefer to save my ire for those who bungled the situation and got us into two wars that were poorly managed from the get go, as well as those who are so eager to send these young people back to yet a third war with no thought of the cost or the resulting mess.
It is certainly true that there can be no war unless men and women choose to go and fight. That choice does and should belong to each person, who having made it should not be degraded, soldier, protester, or civilian.
I have no use for anyone who thinks it's OK to degrade those with whom they have disagreements.
This includes birthers, violent protesters, those who characterize POTUS or Dems as unAmerican, those who call anyone else fascist, commie, Socialist, whatever.
Time to elevate the national discourse to the issues without the name calling, fact twisting, and other obfuscations.
Kids who behave disrespectfully towards those they disagree with usually learn it at home. Mom and Dad, your kids are listening.
I have listened to the debates, and they were pretty bad. It's fine to examine candidates' claims on their credentials, et al, but taking shots at people who are not there to defend themselves or their record is not OK, nor is making false claims about opponents.
If they want a parade I say give them one, they've more than earned it. Thank you for your service veterans.
I wonder why people from other countries feel the need to post comments on a topic that has nothing to do with their country? I am proud to have been raised by a father that served in the United States Army for 22 years and fought in Korea and Vietnam, and to have a son who is currently in the US Navy. We are afforded the freedoms we have because men like my father and my son volunteered to serve their country. If it is so bad here, move to Canada or even better, Mexico and see how good it is there.
Things are pretty damn good in Canada right about now. And our soldiers were on the front lines of both WWI and WWII before you people even cared that there was a war going on.
In response to the voting question: Would you attend a parade held for returning Irag war vets" CAN I SAY HELL YES. Why is this even a question and why don't we have one? Next time you see a vet, please say "THANK YOU AND WELCOME HOME".
Hell, buy them a beer!
Thank you for what? How have they helped our country?
homesick, If you have to ask, your IQ is too low to answer. Go back to yanking. Don't yank too hard, they'll turn blue.
Nothing is stopping you from shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. Why do you need a parade?
And I do shake their hands. Do you attend graduations, weddings, or funerals? It's kind of in line with the need for a formal ceremony. As American Citizens, we feel honored to do it for ourselves as well as the troops. We have the right to give thanks however we like. You don't have to like it. You're from Canada right? Then why don't you discuss something from your own country. I'm sure glad you're not from here.
I've never liked war and haven't agreed with the Iraqi war. But nevertheless these soldiers went out and did what they were told to do, wether they liked, agreed with it or not. They do deserve respect and a thank you from the citizens of their country.
I can't even imagine what they have had to go through. I just hope that they can have peace and happiness in their lives, now they will be home and have to deal with the emotional aftermath of the war.
No, they joined volunetarily. There should be a draft and every kid should go into the services for two years to help our rep's understand that you just don't go out and make war for fun and profit. If they want to take the money to kill -- ie mercenary. Than don't ask me for a parade, I really don't care.
Glad to see so many who disagree on the war still believe in honoring those who serve. Yes, your support makes a difference. You don't have to wear a uniform to be a patriot, just put your country and community first.
My eternal thanks to all who have served.
The parade should be for ALL vets and then I would go. Their service value does not diminish with time!
averagejoe, I couldn't agree more. Even if a family member pushed a wheel chair of carried a picture, honor them all.
To that dope from Canada: Butt out. We don't need your input. We won the war with little help from you.
These people willingly chose to be soldiers, many after we invaded Iraq, a country which never invaded or attacked us, and didn't even have the purported weapons of mass destruction. They destroyed the social fabric (along with the infrastructure) of a sovereign country. Why should they be celebrated?
Homesick, you are missing the point of what the parade is for. It does not symbolize the war(s), it symbolizes the hard work and sacrifices made that every Marine, Soldier, Airmen, and Navy personnel did in service of their country. Your "beef" should not be directed towards the military, but to the potiticians. Afterall, the military is doing their job, what do think the military is used for? Here is some advice, if you don't like it, don't attend and keep your mouth shut. You obviously have absolutely no idea what it's like to serve your country and most likely get your information from the media. Just show your appreciation to service men and women for being able to do something that you could never do by putting their lives in danger for each other, not an ideal.
I agree with you 100% they killed a lot of innocent people.
Two wrongs don't make it right. Murder is Murder.
George, the soldiers aren't murdering. They are killing and that is a big difference. Kevin, as a politition or as a citizen, mentally you should support the war and the soldiers nor either. I think people who voted for funding but than go out and claim they don't support the war should be taken out and beaten sensless. You are a representantive - not a frik n coward. I don't support the war, I dont support the troops and I would not go to their parade nor give them any deals for their sacrafice. They voluneteered for the game so live with it. The draft , I think I would have thought differently...., but f we had a draft, we would be out of these countries a lot faster as our coward rep's would have thought about what they were getting into. Not some two faced lie to make themselves look good. As far as people talking about sacrafices! DONT join the military - you have a choice! So shut up, do your job of getting shot at.