Iraq War Parade Effort Nearing Financial Goal

A grassroots group trying to organize a homecoming parade in St. Louis honoring Iraq war vets is just $4,500 short of raising its goal of $25,000.

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Organizers of Make January 28th Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day have announced that two major corporate sponsors have stepped up to the plate: Mayflower and Anheuser-Busch.

“Mayflower will match every donation made toward welcoming home our heroes, up to $7,500,” said Melissa Sullivan, Mayflower communications manager, in a press release. “We have a long history of serving military members and their families, and we have witnessed the courageous sacrifices that these men and women make. Mayflower is privileged to honor their service in this small way, and we are confident that others in the community will do the same.”

The group, which is led in part by Tom and LaDonna Applebaum, Creve Coeur area residents, needs to raise $4,500 by midnight Friday to make the parade become a reality. For more information or to donate:

• Visit the group's Facebook page (which now has 1,600 members);
• Email a pledge to iraqwelcomehome@gmail.com;
• Fax a pledge to 314-985-0637.

The Friday night deadline was determined by an unnamed veteran's charity organization. If organizers can't meet the deadline, the funds will be donated to the veteran's charity organization.