First in the Nation… OVER 100,000 Turn Out For St. Louis Iraq War Heroes Parade (Video)

(Updated and bumped for those of you who missed this – Over 100,000 attended parade!)
First in the nation…
St. Louis held the first “Welcome Home the Heroes” parade in St. Louis, Missouri.

Over 100,000 attended the parade today to honor Iraq War vets. It was an impressive turnout.

I was honored to watch the parade with famous Veteran Sgt. Mark Seavey who came in with his wife for the event.

The Beaumont High School Blue Jackets marched in the parade.

Many of the participants were there to honor fallen soldiers. SGT Eddie Forrest was remembered.

The Patriot Guard Bikers were a huge hit at the St. Louis Welcome Home parade.

A few of the Marines took a break from marching and let us take their picture.

The St. Louis Budweiser Clydesdales showed their patriotism.

This wounded warrior got a huge applause when he walked by.

Welcome Home, American Heroes!

Thank you for your service.

UPDATE: Mark Seavey has more on this historical event here and video here.

#1 January 28, 2012 at 2:39 pm
bg commented:

++

THANK YOU!!

==
#2 January 28, 2012 at 2:42 pm
lizzy84 commented:

I wish I could be there.
Heroes–may God bless every single one of them.
The debt of gratitude we owe them can never be repaid.
#3 January 28, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Adi commented:

Bless you, and thank you.
#4 January 28, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Marie commented:

I wish I could be there, too! Every state should have a parade for them.
#5 January 28, 2012 at 2:56 pm
bg commented:

++

★ ✪ ✩ ★

LOVE IT!!

★ ✪ ✩ ★

==
#6 January 28, 2012 at 3:02 pm
valerie commented:

I don’t know how much fun it was to march in the parade, but I bet riding a motorcycle was a total gas.

Many, many thanks.
#8 January 28, 2012 at 3:30 pm
sybilll commented:

Jim, your twitter feed has filled me with joy and pride today. Thanks for bringing us the highlights. Thank you to the great people of St. Louis, and God Bless our military.
#9 January 28, 2012 at 3:32 pm
StrangernFiction commented:

OT The next Drudge headline:

http://markamerica.com/2012/01/28/so-shocking-im-speechless/
#10 January 28, 2012 at 3:35 pm
regularguy commented:

We can never repay them for what they’ve done, but we sure can honor their sacrifices by being better citizens watching their six here at home. Welcome home, folks, job well done!
#11 January 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm
jennifer commented:

Thank You St. Louis for honoring our heroes!! God Bless them all!
#12 January 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm
wanumba commented:

Thank you. We have two sons serving, one deployed. It makes us proud to see The PEOPLE that the Constitution speaks of, showing that The PEOPLE don’t wait on an aloof government to dictate what they will do or not do. The PEOPLE want to HONOR our troops.

So let it be done!! Amen!
#13 January 28, 2012 at 3:46 pm
bg commented:

++

OT..

StrangernFiction #9 January 28, 2012 at 3:32 pm

thanks..

not totally buying it, too much dramatization v just the facts
with follow troughs so to speak.. in other words.. no matter
how they spliced it together, it’s more “suggestive” than “in
context”.. however, i’m certain Obama and his Dhimmis will
swallow it until they turn purple.. /s/

more about “crony capitalism” here..

==
#14 January 28, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Jayne on Left Coast commented:

GOD Bless my hometown. I never lost my Midwestern values.
#15 January 28, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Taqiyyotomist commented:

God bless them. God bless St. Louis.

Wanumba, God bless you as well, and your sons.

—

These are America’s finest, folks.
#16 January 28, 2012 at 4:03 pm
John03 commented:

So much better pictures than the usual OWS nutcakes we usually see out on the streets. I assume you didn’t see anyone defacating on a police car?
#17 January 28, 2012 at 4:07 pm
cj_thespook commented:

My husband and I were there today and I must say THANK YOU ST LOUIS!!! WOW, so impressive they did it right. They have shown the entire US how it is done. I was SO proud to be a part of this and so proud of the city of St Louis. My husband is active duty AF and served two tours in Afghan, he too had some tears in his eyes of the pride he felt for all the citizens that braved the cold and stood there the entire parade to show their appreciate for our beloved military. I must say it is NOT the first time I have been proud of my country but it is one of those times that make me even prouder to be an American and part of the St Louis area citizenry. It was a wonderful day, and I wondered where the antiwar people were hiding. I did not see anyone of that nature UNTIL afterwards and we had had lunch at the Marriot at Union Station and walking back to our car we passed two young men holding a large sign that said 9/11 was an inside job. My husband who was in uniform looked over and said, “you are allowed to think that”, then I said to them, “One of the things that makes America so great is that you are allowed to think or believe anything you like no matter how STUPID it is.” I smiled at them, turned my head to my handsome husband, chuckled and walked on in THEIR silence. hahahaha
#18 January 28, 2012 at 4:19 pm
P. Aaron commented:

Our armed forces are the best! Thanks for posting this.
#19 January 28, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Ripped commented:

#17 January 28, 2012 at 4:07 pm
cj_thespook commented:

Looks like you sunk to their level.
#20 January 28, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Cutlers bad Thumb commented:

Way to go St Louis…Nice job….Love the Troops…

Maybe our corpseman in chief in the WH could have taken one of his many vacation days to attend this….

I know I know wishful thinking…….FORE.
#21 January 28, 2012 at 4:28 pm
succotash commented:

Endless thanks to our veterans and their families and to St.Louis. WELL DONE!
#22 January 28, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Mark Seavey commented:

Calling me famous is perhaps stretching the word beyond the breaking point, but it was absolutely a pleasure to spend the day with you sir. More than anything else, you should be immensely proud of the reception your city had for my brothers and sisters. Absolutely astonishing turnout, and a great time had by all. Hope I get to see you again sometime soon.
#23 January 28, 2012 at 4:30 pm
StrangernFiction commented:

My apologies for posting off topic on this thread. An egregious error by me.

Thank You to all that serve and have served!
#24 January 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm
bg commented:

++

It Has Always Been The Soldier

It is the soldier,
not the President who gives US Democracy.

It is the soldier,
not the Congress who takes Care of US.

It is the soldier,
not the Reporter who has given us Freedom of Press.

It is the soldier,
not the Poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.

It is the soldier,
not the campus [community] Organizer who
has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag;
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
that allows the protester to burn the flag.

~ Father Dennis O’Brien, US Marine Corp. Chaplain

God Bless America!

God Bless Soldiers everywhere for putting THEIR
lives on the line to protect us ALL from terrorism!

==
#25 January 28, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Vicky Hernandez commented:

“…………………”
But, only because there are no words great enough to express my gratitude. May God bless and protect our military and their loved ones.
#26 January 28, 2012 at 4:59 pm
DaMav commented:

Nice coverage! I’ve been wanting to see this kind of display for our troops for years. Good for St Louis!
#27 January 28, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Sam Stone commented:

Welcome home and all the best in the future.
#28 January 28, 2012 at 5:12 pm
valerie commented:

I have a sneaking suspicion that one day, Joe Biden will be recognized as the guy who soldiered on, doing the President’s job like Al Haig did when Nixon was falling apart. In this case, it has to do with the deteriorating political situation in Iraq.

Some time ago, former Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi responded to an Obama comment, and specifically asked him to exert US diplomatic power along the lines Obama had touted during his election campaign, because the real political situation in Iraq is neither stable nor democratic.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/01/former-iraqi-pm-allawi-corrects-obama-iraq-is-neither-stable-nor-democratic-video/

He finally got his response, a couple of telephone calls from Joe Biden.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.02dd3ab0f5ad02cfe3d3ae0f5c325271.711&show_article=1

Obama could have been a hero, if he’d talked to the Iraqi people, and explained how our system works for us, and encouraged them to just do the right thing. The whole rest of the world, including America, would have listened in, and cheered.

When it comes to missing opportunities, this guy is as good as Hamas.
#29 January 28, 2012 at 5:24 pm
listingstarboard commented:

Thank you for the only post that has given me any hope or joy in the last few days–God bless our brave soldiers, they are truly the best and brightest .
#30 January 28, 2012 at 5:38 pm
lwestin commented:

Nice coverage. Thanks for sharing .
#31 January 28, 2012 at 5:51 pm
nana commented:

Thank you to our veterans, GOD Bless them all. Thank you St. Louis!
#32 January 28, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Wondering commented:

Welcome home! God Bless You and God Bless America!
#33 January 28, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Path commented:

Yes, it HAS always been the soldier – thank you for this acknowledgement of our thoughts/responsibilities/obligations to our valient military people. Without you it wouldn’t be America. St. Louis did what every city in this great country should be doing.
#35 January 28, 2012 at 6:21 pm
bg commented:

★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★

(((#12 January 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm
wanumba)))

(((#17 January 28, 2012 at 4:07 pm
cj_thespook)))

Thank You to You & Yours, God Bless..

★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★ ✩ ★

==
#37 January 28, 2012 at 7:12 pm
wanumba commented:

#15 January 28, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Taqiyyotomist commented:
God bless them. God bless St. Louis.

Wanumba, God bless you as well, and your sons.

These are America’s finest, folks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Our volunteer military is truly a gift from God. That He has continued to make men and women who freely choose discipline, sacrifice, hard work and perservence for a nation is humbling and awesome. The way they have each others’s backs is tremendous. As parents, we are blessed to meet other parents of these fine people, an amazing sub-culture within the culture, who freely encourage us and each other.

I like that comment from the “The Blind Side” … “… scored 97%tile in protective instincts.” That’s the type of people in our military, not what the lazy, selfish Left paints them to be.
#38 January 28, 2012 at 7:15 pm
wanumba commented:

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19 January 28, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Ripped commented:
#17 January 28, 2012 at 4:07 pm
cj_thespook commented:

Looks like you sunk to their level.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Punching them is an attractive alternative, so I think cj_ was suitably restrained.
#39 January 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm
wanumba commented:

We prefer the South, Southwest and Midwest. People constantly walk up to our sons and thank them for their service. Little kids tug on their pants, “Thank you for your service.”

Went up further north into Liberal Left land and the glares, turned backs, furtive glances were pathetically noticeable. Not a “thank-you” for days…. not until after we departed the territory. So, we all sat down in “intoleration tenseville,” and spoke in French … growing up in Africa has its uses. Liberal Left brains were just on overload, they really cannot handle anything outside their tiny mental boxes of stereotypes. US military aren’t supposed to have the educations to be ripping French literature from Maupassant to Camus to Hugo to shreds with great hilarity over breakfast at Dennys.
#40 January 28, 2012 at 7:37 pm
lol commented:

THANK YOU to our brave service men and women, May G-d bless you. Thank You St. Louis and Thanks Gateway Pundit for sharing the pictures.
#42 January 28, 2012 at 8:21 pm
CT commented:

Thank you Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airman. Thank you St Louis you make this old Vet proud to be an American.
#43 January 28, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Tom "Squirts" Clark commented:

Sir, Great coverage of today’s “Welcome Home” parade in St. Louis. My fellow riders and I had the honor to ride our motorcycles in the parade. Each had our reasons for wanting to be a part of this event. For me, it was in honor of the 47 Metro St. Louis servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice since 911. Your coverage of this event is top notch. To our men and women still standing in harm’s way, and to those who have ever served, I say, “Thank you and welcome home”! Sincerest Respects, Tom “Squirts” Clark; Vander Clute Veterans of Foreign Riders/ Caseyville, IL VFW Post 1117

The link provided takes you to a simple memorial page for our Metro St. Louis area men and women who have been killed in action. Never Forget…
#44 January 28, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Thank you Vets commented:

Hero Braxton Cope of Greenville, IL served three tours in Iraq. Today, he has a incurable brain turmor caused, doctors say, by exposure to depleted uranium in Iraq. He has, unfortunately, gotten the runaround with the VA on treatment. Plus, the in past year, he has adopted his three grandkids (who are way better off with him).

There is a benefit for him tomorrow (Sunday, 1-29-12) at the Greenville, IL VFW from 4-8 pm.
#45 January 28, 2012 at 9:30 pm
bg commented:

++

Tom “Squirts” Clark #43 January 28, 2012 at 8:21 pm

God Bless & Thank You..

==
#46 January 28, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Patti Green commented:

I’m very proud to be a St. Louisan, especially today. What is not mentioned is that beginning at 9:11PM Friday evening, the name of EVERYONE lost since 9/11 was read aloud on the steps of the memorial. Originally, the names of those from St. Louis and surrounding areas were to be read, but those that YOU consider the “evil Democratic Left” changed the plan to include ALL who have been lost. After each name was read, a bell tolled. It took all night and until shortly before the parade to complete the readings. Too many young lives have been lost. May God bless and watch over those who bravely serve, no matter what city from which they hail. St. Louis is proud of each and every one!
#47 January 28, 2012 at 10:20 pm
JustAVet commented:

Hand SALUTE St. Louis!!!
#48 January 28, 2012 at 11:35 pm
C-Christian Soldier commented:

brought an heart felt ” – )
thank you-
Carol- CS
#49 January 29, 2012 at 12:37 am
Skyler commented:

It’s too bad those Marines in blues were wearing the wrong uniform, except for the woman Marine. I wonder why it occurred to them that they should wear medals instead of ribbons, in violation of the uniform regulations.
#50 January 29, 2012 at 1:53 am
pamlinson commented:

Ordinary Americans doing what’s right, in spite of our lousy government. God Bless America, and God Bless our service men and women . Thank you St. Louis.
#51 January 29, 2012 at 2:10 am
Frank Warner commented:

The Iraqis are free. American troops won their liberty. Thank you, victorious liberators!
#52 January 29, 2012 at 6:57 am
Jim Holmes commented:

Welcome Home Guys and Gals!!! God Bless You All!!!
#55 January 29, 2012 at 8:53 am
Matt Smyth commented:

Awesome! You guys are the best!

Thank you all for being there!
#58 January 29, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Jonah Vark commented:

St. Louis hosts 1st big parade for Iraq War vets…
NYC SAYS NO…

http://drudgereport.com/
#61 January 30, 2012 at 8:35 am
Americanist commented:

Who has the cleanest, most consistently Constitutional voting record, without all the liberal baggage? Who hasn’t cheated on his wife, supported socialized medicine or voted to raise the debt limit 5 times? Who has never voted for an unbalanced budget or a congressional pay raise or voted against the peoples’ right to self defense? Who has actually laid out a plan to cut federal spending in real terms and balance the budget in his first term?
The one and only standing conservative candidate that can beat Obama without being a hypocrite is, Ron Paul.
There is only one big problem. The establishment insiders that chose John McCain and Barack Obama in 2008 do not care if Obama faces anyone on the Republican ballot as long as it is NOT – Congressman Ron Paul. Those who know the insides of the US political machines will tell you that if they were honest but any reasonable observer can see the bias against Paul, not for any real reason except that he stands squarely on the Constitution. That cannot be allowed in a President of the US. Reagan was the last President that gave more than lip service to our Constitution and look what happened to him on March 30th, 1981.
Ron Paul is the authentic Ron Reagan of this election! He has with his votes in Congress , “vetoed” more unconstitutional bills than any other elected official in history.
It is now time to grow up and elect a proven and consistent leader to save this republic while there is still time! Ron Paul is the man to do just that!
Nothing will change with any other! Ignorant and free can never be! Do your own research! Put a high value on your vote in your state’s primary! Do not compromise your liberties or those of your countrymen! Remember, the first Veterans were the founders! Paul is the only veteran running! Veterans, not military-industrial complex talking heads support Paul over all others! Support the Constitution and Dr. Paul before we have neither!
Start here: http://www.dailypaul.com or http://www.thenewamerican.com
#62 January 30, 2012 at 8:45 am
rabble-rouser commented:

Couldn’t be there and am so disappointed to miss any opportunity to show my heartfilled “Thanks” to everyone that protects this country. May God Bless you and your families.
#63 January 30, 2012 at 9:04 am
Big Mo commented:

THANK YOU, marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors and guardsmen. You are the best of the best, and we are humbled by your service and sacrifice.
#64 January 30, 2012 at 9:51 am
wanumba commented:

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#60 January 30, 2012 at 8:35 am
Americanist commented:
Who has the cleanest, most consistently Constitutional voting record, without all the liberal baggage?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Be nice if you didn’t promote your candidate JUST like a liberal leftie … piggy-backing on something meant for our troops.
#65 January 30, 2012 at 9:54 am
Sasja commented:

Skyler. Those marines were in Class A uniforms which are designed to wear during formal occasions such as ceremonies and PARADES. This was a parade, or did you miss that? As to the medals, full-sized medals are authorized for wear on dress blue (Class A) uniforms.
#66 January 30, 2012 at 11:35 am
No Man commented:

Greet them ever with grateful hearts.
#67 January 30, 2012 at 12:57 pm
wanumba commented:

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#58 January 29, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Jonah Vark commented:
St. Louis hosts 1st big parade for Iraq War vets…
NYC SAYS NO…

http://drudgereport.com/

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NOT A PROBLEM:
Fake (R) Democrat tryant Bloomberg would probably have our troops and families all arrested … the combination of a high %tile of Southerners and just the whiff of guns would be too much for his sensibilities.

BOYCOTT NEW YORK CITY BOYCOTT NEW YORK CITY BOYCOTT NEW YORK CITY

There are PLENTY of NICE cities and towns where parades would be pleasant and SAFE and don’t harass out of staters.