Department Employees, Retirees and their Families march in the 2008 V.P. Parade

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St Louis Metropolitan Police Department Employees, Retirees and their Families were invited to march in the 131st Veiled Prophet Parade on Friday July 4th, 2008 as the department celebrated it's 200th Anniversary. Col. Joseph J. Mokwa, chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department served as the Honorary Grand Marshal.

It was beautiful morning with a cool breeze as parade participants assembled at 8:00 a.m. in downtown St. Louis. By 10:00 am as the parade started, thousands of St Louisans and Cubs fans awaiting the start of the afternoon game lined the streets to cheer on various departments and units from the SLMPD as well as the St Louis Fire Department, military bands, the Shriners, 17 floats, clowns, unique vehicles and seven giant helium balloons.

Following the parade, St Louis Metropolitan Police Department employees and families gathered at a private hospitality tent catered with great BBQ, drinks and treats as they enjoyed the remainder of the parade.

Note: For those who participated in the parade I will be dropping off a couple of discs with a few different units at the department. The originals digital photos will be of higher quality and perfect for printing.