Citizen Airmen show readiness and spirit at Saint Louis July 4th parade

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  • 932nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The men and women of the 932nd Airlift Wing will once again join with other civic and community groups to take part in the Saint Louis July 4 parade.

"I enjoy marching and carrying the unit's American flag through the streets of Saint Louis," said retired wing member, Master Sgt. Gerald Sonnenberg, a former photographer and public affairs member for the Air Force Reserve Command unit located near Belleville, Ill.

On Thursday, July 4, at 9:30 a.m., the Fourth of July Parade steps off on Market Street just a couple blocks from historic Union Station in downtown St. Louis. 

Recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten events in the nation to attend on the 4th of July Weekend, the VP Parade has been a St. Louis Family Tradition for over 130 years. 

The creative VP staff will make a variety of floats to capture the Independence Day celebrations that are big favorites amongst parade viewers. 

"When I'm deployed away from the United States I really miss being part of these parades and seeing the smiles on children's faces as we pass by.  It is truly a fantastic community event that captures the patriotism that we American Airmen cherish," said Lt. Col. Stan Paregien, public affairs officer for the 22nd Air Force unit, located in Illinois, just across the river from Saint Louis.  "It's a great opportunity for us to show up and remind the public that the military cannot operate successfully without the Air Force Reserve and all of our Citizen Airmen who are such a big part of background leadership in their communities," said Paregien.  

Volunteers should meet around 8:30 a.m. near Union Station parking lot and walk a couple blocks to Market street and starting point.  For more information contact the public affairs shop.