CAIRO HOSTS GULF PARADE ON SATURDAY

CAIRO, Ill. -- The troops are not back yet, but Cairo, home of the 1244th Illinois National Guard unit which is stationed in Saudi Arabia, is holding a parade here Saturday.

"We haven't had any word concerning when the troops will return home," said Karen Myers, a member of a group of area residents who are planning the parade. "But, we're planning a patriotic parade to be held here at 2 p.m.

"We have more than 45 units cars, trucks, floats, bands and that number may increase by parade time," said Myers. "Area residents involved in local support groups for the 1244th and many others who have family in some capacity in the Persian Gulf are making this a big parade."

Included in the parade will be bands from Cairo High School, Cairo Junior High, Meridian High School of Mounds, Ill., and Vienna (Ill.) High School.

"The 1244th unit is made up of members from a wide area," said Myers. "At least 15 units in Saturday's parade are from the Vienna area."

Following the parade, a musical program and rally will be held at the Flint Bondurant Gymnasium, located at 30th Street here.

"All service members from this area who are in the Persian Gulf will be recognized at this program," said Myers. "Area residents who have family members in the Mideast are urged to contact Myers (618-734-2192) or Monica Smith (618-734-3637) with the names, ranks, and service affiliations of such soldiers.

The parade will start at McGinness Automotive Supply, 4000 Sycamore, near the north end of the city, and travel down Sycamore and Washington to 8th Street. The parade will then proceed on Commercial Street and disband around 10th and Commercial.