Saint Louis is getting set to officially welcome home the U.S. troops who served in the Iraq War. This weekend's event, the first of it's kind in the nation, continues to grow. It starts by remembering those who gave the most.
Veterans and relatives of veterans will read the names of all 6502 military members who were killed from injuries sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9-11. The event will begin at 9:11 PM Friday outside the Soldier's Memorial at Chestnut and 13th Street. It's expected to last about 12 hours. After each name is read a bell will be rung.
- Veterans or family members of veterans can call Mike LeBlanc at 314-363-3715 if they would like to sign up to help read the names of the fallen soldiers.
Saturday's parade steps off at Kiener Plaza at noon and will proceed west on Market Street to Union Station.
Other events will take place at the end of the parade route, inside Union Station. Those include a "Veterans' Village" where dozens of not-for-profit groups will offer resources to the veterans until 5pm and entertainment will be offered between 3:30pm and 8:30 pm.
Volunteers and donations are still needed. To get more information about the events or to offer help, visit the January 28 website.
