By Alexandra Flodin
Mountaineer staff
Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and his wife, Janet, wave to the crowd March 11, 2017. They are followed by 100 Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
COLORADO SPRINGS — Thousands of local area residents crowded the streets in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday to celebrate not only the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade but also the 4th Infantry Division’s centennial.
The Mountain Post was front and center as the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard presented the nation’s colors and Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, served as the grand marshal for the parade that featured over 200 marching groups and floats decked out in green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
One of the many colorfully dressed marchers makes her way through downtown during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
“The military community, for all intent and purpose, is the backbone of our town, not just economically but socially as well,” said John O’Donnell, parade coordinator. “So many families return to Colorado Springs after their service is complete. The rich heritage of national service is a touchstone for all of us in Colorado Springs.”
Gonsalves and his wife, Janet, rode in a cherry-red 1960s era Ford Thunderbird and were followed by a marching element of 100 Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard mule team and antique fire truck also participated in the parade.
“I think this (parade) is great for the community,” said David Guerlock, a Colorado native and parade attendee. “It gets everyone out and gives them something to do together.”
A local music school showcases talented youth during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
The parade lasted over an hour and showcased the creativity and talent of local businesses, clubs and organizations from across the Colorado Springs area.
The 4th Inf. Div. celebrates 100 years of service to the nation in 2017. Established at Camp Greene, North Carolina, Dec. 10, 1917, to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, the division has served in every major conflict since.
“Congratulations, 100 years, way to go,” said Jim Degeorge, parade participant with the 79th New York Highlanders living history pipes and drum band. “Keep moving forward.”
The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard open the 2017 Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 11, 2017. This year’s parade included over 200 individual floats and marching groups. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
The 4th Infantry Division Band entertains the crowd along Tejon Street during the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parade March 11, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)