Parade planned for veterans in Des Moines

Welcome-home parade set in Des Moines for Iraq war vets
Apr. 4, 2012
Written by WILLIAM PETROSKI

State officials are planning a big parade in downtown Des Moines in June to officially welcome home thousands of Iraq war veterans while honoring other Iowa military service members from the past and present. A similar parade held in August 1991 after the Persian Gulf War drew an estimated crowd of 50,000 people who lined the streets of Des Moines.

The patriotic event included about 120 floats, marching soldiers wearing the uniforms of major wars, military vehicles, and entries from about 80 organizations. The upcoming parade will be held at 10 a.m. on June 30. It will begin at the Iowa Capitol and end at the Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.

“I think every opportunity that we can take to thank our service members and our veterans is crucial,” said retired Iowa National Guard Col. Robert King, who was asked by Gov. Terry Branstad to head the event’s planning. “Some of our older veterans are passing on every day, and now we have a new breed of soldier who is coming home and assimilating back in our communities,” King said. “They gave a lot, too, and a good number of them didn’t come home.” Sixty-five Iowans died in the Iraq war, and 20 others have died in the Afghanistan war.

The June parade is titled “A Salute to Service Members and Veterans.” It will include an observance of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. combat involvement in Vietnam. read more here