Celebrating Veteran's Day In Bronzeville!

3rd Ward Alderman, Pat Dowell  shows support for the Veteran's Parade on ML King Drive.

 

 

All photos by Aki Antonia c2010

(Click to enlarge)

BAB - Chicago area ROTC and Marching Bands were all spit. polish and shine in their military dress as they marched in a well organized parade for Veteran's Day in Bronzeville. This annual parade was presented by the The Chicago Defender  Newspaper Charities. The parade went north on Dr. Martin Luther King drive, starting at 43rd St. (Muddy Waters Drive) and ending at a Veteran's Day  memorial ceremony held at the Victory Monument on 35th and King Drive.  This monument was the first in Illinois and the United States erected to honor Black soldiers who fought in World War I. 

The Chicago area bands were excellent and the students honored the Veterans with  well rehearsed band performances and lively military chants.  This parade appeared about three times as large as the previous year (2009) with more Chicago area schools marching band participation. There was diversity,  dignity , discipline and respect on display in the  promenade. 

I saw many a tear and a salute from the crowd as the students brought honor to our nation's Veterans. 

It was a job well done. 

AA 11/11/10

Veteran's Day Parade in Bronzeville 2010

The Chicago Defender Charities held its annual Veteran's Day Parade in Bronzeville on Dr. Martin Luther King drive , starting from 43rd St. (Muddy Waters Drive) and ending at the Victory Monument on 35th and King Drive. ROTCs and Marching High School bands were in military dress as they marched with precision and discipline honoring Veterans in the 2010 parade.

The Victory Monument

was dedicated November 11, 1928 on Armistice Day. The bronze panels surrounding the base of the monument were sculpted by Leonard Crunelle, as well as the soldier standing on the top of the monument later added in 1936. The monument was erected by the people of Illinois in memory of the Black soldiers who died in France from the 8th Infantry of the Illinois National Guard during World War I which was reorganized as the 370th Infantry of the 93rd Division of the United States Army.

Thousands were present at the dedication ceremony where Governor Len Small delivered the principal address honoring the one hundred and thirty seven men who died serving their country. This monument, according to Governor Small, was the first in Illinois and the United States erected to honor Black soldiers who fought in World War I.

Source: http://www.statuesandsymbols.com/Victory

Wreaths were placed and community leaders and politicians spoke in a ceremony honoring Veterans at the Victory Monument.

Buffalo Soldiers celebrate Veterans Day 2010 at the Victory Monument in Bronzeville.

Parade organizer, Colonel Eugene Scott and community resident, Cyd Langston

Colonel Eugene Scott smiles at a little one at the event.

Tuskegee Airman, James J. McCastle

shows his Air Force papers. He graduated from high school at age 16

and joined the air force at age 17 because he wanted to learn to fly.

Chicago Defender Fine Arts Writer, Earl Calloway and Mayoral candidate,

William Dock Walls

Chicago Defender Fine Arts Writer, Earl Calloway, Aki Antonia and Mayoral candidate,

William Dock Walls

(Click on photos to enlarge)

All photos by Aki Antonia c2010