Report given by Paul Appell, member of VFP Don Connors Chapter 61 in St. Louis, MO
The banner was a hit in Chicago. Many of the participants commented positively on the banner as did others that we encountered on the street. Despite Chicago being under a winter storm warning and getting several inches of snow, the event went on with some reduction in participation due to the weather. It started on State street in front of ABC tv studios, who had a reporter and film crew that recorded the speakers at that location, including Kathy Kelly etc.
We then marched north down State street with Lobo and I holding the banner to lead the march to the Viet Nam Memorial along the Chicago River where some of the vets spoke. The Iraq and Afghanistan vets gave moving speeches. We then went over to Michigan ave. (with the Chicago police stopping traffic so we could cross the intersections as a complete group)and marched up Michigan ave for many blocks to the water tower park for more speeches and demonstrations. All the response was positive from those we met.
The banner enabled those wondering what was going on to quickly have an answer. There were about 80 participants for the 2 hour event. It was good to see Lobo who is doing well, except for his frozen feet. I can not say we made a difference, but VFP was visible to not only the public, but also to some key people in the peace movement in Chicago. The banner was a very positive and well received part of the event despite the slipping stumbling vets carrying it. The enclosed photos show the event at the Viet Nam Memorial, then at water tower park, then two from the start on State Street and lastly part of the slushing up Michigan ave.