By Mark Weyermuller -
"Thank You Blue" was the theme of the parade unit from the Walsh Freedom group Sunday at the 14th annual Northwest Side Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Chicago. Their theme was to honor policemen and women who serve and protect us everyday. Many in the group stopped to shake the hand of each member of law enforcement along the parade route.
Former congressman and current radio talk show host Joe Walsh led about 100 marchers along Raven Street to Northwest Highway, passing out candy and "Thank Blue" buttons. While this is primarily a group of Republicans and conservatives, the point was to honor police officers. Barbara Hines Babbey with Walsh Freedom helped to coordinated the marchers. She said to keep the calendar open this June for an old school political rally and picnic at the Walsh Farm similar to last summer's. She said this event will probably draw closer to 2000 people as the conservative movement continues to grow in Illinois.
Much of the parade were Chicago Democrats and trade unions. There were school bands, Irish dancers, and bagpipes. Democrat Congressman Mike Quigley was there, along with a couple of state representatives.
Another group with a large parade unit was the Northwest Side GOP Club led by local Committeeman Matt Podgorski and Russell Schultz. This group has grown exponentially this past year perhaps a sign that Chicagoans are fed up with the status quo. They have a big event coming up April 21, 2017. For more information go to www.We-Bellion.us
After the parade, revelers headed over to Immaculate Conception School for a traditional corn beef and cabbage lunch. A few adult beverages may had been consumed too but we cannot confirm or deny that for this story. Watch for much from the two groups Walsh Freedom and the Northwest Side GOP Club.
Weyermuller with WIND 560 talk show host Joe Walsh and Walsh Freedom lovers
Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man on the street segment" at 10:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Sunday nights 9pm-midnight on WLS 890-AM.
