More cities consider parades for Iraq War vets after St. Louis success

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis parade welcoming home Iraq War and other post-Sept. 11 veterans is spurring talk of similar parades in at least 10 other cities.

Organizers of the parade that drew an estimated 100,000 observers and 20,000 participants in St. Louis on Jan. 28 say they have been approached by officials in Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Seattle, Tucson, Ariz., Nashville, Tenn., Greensboro, N.C., and Clinton, Iowa.

The St. Louis parade and rally was the first major events honoring the end of the Iraq War. Organizers also encouraged participation from other veterans who have served in the fight against terrorism.

Organizers Craig Schneider and Tom Appelbaum used social media to generate support and money. They needed just one month and less than $40,000 to pull it off.