Utica has proven for a third time that everyone loves a parade, especially if it's one honoring our nation's veterans. Utica's American Legion Pierce Davis Post 731 organized their largest parade yet.

For the last two years, the day started at the Community Building. Ellen Fransen, one of the building's managers; Sue Calkins, Ottawa Township Trustee; Connie Guerrero and Karen Williams were busy serving at least 1,000 breakfasts and lunches to veterans and parade participants.

"We couldn't have accomplished this without a lot of community cooperation and the good-hearted residents," Fransen said.

The food is all donated, noted Calkins. And Guerrero said it took almost a full year to plan.

"The hall was completely filled up at least three times," Williams added. "There were a few times when it was standing-room only. But it turned out to be a perfect day and we really do want to thank all the businesses and residents that help make this so successful."

Hundreds of people lined up for the parade to watch fire trucks and floats, hear bands and La Salle Peru High School cheerleaders yell out their cheers while the band played, watch the Oglesby D.A.R.E. Horse Patrol and see all the American Legions and VFW's from Utica, La Salle, Peru, Tonica and Ottawa. All total, 125 units were constantly cheered and clapped for as they passed by. One of the many highlights that drew loud applause included hearing the Chicago Police Department Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society march and play several songs that included "Danny Boy."

"I belonged to the Illinois National Guard for five years and I really liked it,"said Gary Harmon, a veteran from Utica. "I was proud to serve our country. I want to continue to help and protect our country and so I come to this parade to show my support for all of our veterans. This is our country."

Tom and Kris Snell from Utica have attended all three parades. "We're here to support our veterans," Tom said. "And this year is the best so far," Kris added. "It just keeps getting bigger every year."

Adding to everyone's enjoyment, the Lima Lima Flyover drew circles in the sky over the parade route and gray Illinois National Guard military planes flew low over the crowd as well. The day was clear and perfect and when people looked up to see the four gold planes flying overhead, it only added to the day.

"I just can't believe how wonderful this day is," 66-year-old Vietnam veteran Tom Blaine from Chicago said. "What an honor to all of us. I'm here with a couple of my buddies. We rode our bikes here and didn't know about the parade. It was definitely a pleasant surprise and next year, I promise we'll be here with more friends. Those planes are just incredible to watch along with everything else going on. What a celebration!"

Mayor Fred Esmond was in the crowd watching the parade. "You know, you can have a big city of 20,000 and they would find it hard to compete with what Utica can accomplish," he told The Times. "It's just a great day, everyone pulls together to show support. And the weather is cooperating. It's a beautiful day to thank the veterans for what they do and for what they have done for us."

Trustee Ron Pawlak agreed.

"Last year it was cold and rainy. What a difference. And it's such a great crowd. Everyone seems to be happy being here and honoring our veterans. Last year we served 500 meals to our veterans and participants. This year there are a lot more people. And that's a good thing to see."

In front of a Mill Street store, Seasons Gone By, there was a message written in chalk on the sidewalk: "Thank You Veterans." Owner Linda Schweickert's daughter, Brittney Moriarity, said she wrote it.

"We like to support our community and especially our veterans," she said. "It's a great day. Who doesn't like a parade on a day like today?"

After the parade, the various distinguished speakers took to the microphone, including Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary of public and intergovernmental affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (See The Times' exclusive interview with Duckworth.)

VFW State Commander Jules D. Spindler noted that he was a Vietnam veteran and "when we came home, it was like no one had ever missed us. So thank you all for talking about the sacrifices the Vietnam veterans made. We really appreciate it."