By Mark Weyermuller –
Despite being officially cancelled, the Saint Jude March to honor Chicago Police Officers took place May 16, 2021 at the Gold Star Memorial next to Chicago's Soldier Field. This is the second year in a row that Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Superintendent David Brown cancelled the annual march due to Covid concerns.
Here is the video the superintendent gave to replace the march: https://youtu.be/iOv5OWdjpiE
Despite the parade being officially cancelled, several hundred Chicago Police Officers, along with family and supporters marched to honor these heroes.
The march was led by officers carrying the American flag followed by more officers from the Emerald Society playing bagpipes. The march ended at the Gold Star memorial where Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara spoke. He acknowledged that only one of the 50 Chicago aldermen attended the event – Raymond Lopez. No other city officials attended, nor were any Chicago media spotted.
In these troubled times, it more important than ever to recognize the hard-working, dedicated men and women in blue putting their lives on the line daily. It’s unfortunate that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot chose not to attend the march.
Earlier the same morning, two Chicago Police officers were shot and are expected to recover.