CHAPMAN, Kan. -- Soldiers from three 1st Infantry Division units helped a local Kansas community celebrate its strong Irish roots March 16 during Chapman's 18th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
Formations of troops from the division's band, Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard and the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, marched through the Chapman town center to the cheers of residents both young and old. Children who lined the parade route made sure to place their hands on their hearts as the CGMCG passed by with the nation's colors, and regarded the "Long Knife" troopers marching in time to their cadence with awe.
"It's something for the kids to enjoy, this parade," said Chapman resident Bob Diehl.
Last week's parade was somewhat of a celebration of the continuing partnership between the Long Knife troopers and Chapman residents, a partnership that has grown during the past few years as the unit helped the community rebuild following a 2008 tornado.
"The people of Chapman went through a lot a couple of years ago," said Sgt. Zachary Johnson, a team leader with 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. "[The squadron] helped them do a lot of rebuilding, so that was really good for them and for us. Helping out with this parade, it's a continuation of that support, to remind the people here that we're here to help them and they help us so much as well."
Parade participants included Chapman students, sports teams and the high school marching band. Also marching in the parade was Fort Riley veteran Ray Thompson, a member of the local Shrine temple. Thompson and his fellow Shriners participate in events like the Chapman St. Patrick's Day Parade to raise money for a very worthy cause.
"We ride so the children can walk," Thompson said. "Every penny that we make goes to support the Children's Hospital in St. Louis, and we've collected something like $76,000 just by riding [in parades] and taking collections."
Following the parade, Chapman residents expressed their appreciation for the continued support provided by the Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division.
"They've always supported the community since I've been around," said Ronald Cabat, a city council member. "We've always had a great relationship between the Soldiers and the community, so they're always welcome out here."
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