CIA Director David H. Petraeus of the Central Intelligence Agency will lead this year’s Memorial Day Parade as its Grand Marshal and participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony preceding the parade on Saturday, May 26, 2012.
General David H, Petraeus (U.S. Army, Retired) became the 20th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency on September 6, 2011.  Director Petraeus has dedicated his life to public service, retiring from the United States Army on August 30, 2011 after a distinguished 37-year career.
He last served as Commander, NATO International Security Assistance Force and Commander, U.S. Forces- Afghanistan from July 2010 until July 18, 2011. His other four-star commands include assignments as the 10th Commander, United States Central Command, and as Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq during the surge.
This year, parade will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Taps with a special tribute.  In 1862, Oliver Wilcox Norton wrote what he called “the hardest 24 notes to play”.  The all too familiar cadence of notes first played by Wilcox during the Civil War and will be played by a group of from Bugles Across America to mark the anniversary.
Included in the day’s events will be a special recognition of the Illinois Gold Star Families at the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:00 am on Daley Plaza and at the Parade.  The parade steps off at noon at State and Lake Streets proceeding south on State to Van Buren.
The Chicago Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.  This year’s parade will be dedicated to all soldiers who fought and died in our country’s recent conflicts. The City of Chicago is proud to have post 911veterans represented in our parade this year.

Meetings are held
on the third Saturday of every month.
(unless noted otherwise)

TIME: 10 AM to 12:30 PM
(unless noted otherwise)

LOCATION:(unless noted otherwise)
Montford Point Marine Association
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago

Meetings are held
on the third Saturday of every month.
(unless noted otherwise)

TIME: 10 AM to 12:30 PM
(unless noted otherwise)

LOCATION:(unless noted otherwise)
Montford Point Marine Association
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago

Meetings are held
on the third Saturday of every month.
(unless noted otherwise)

TIME: 10 AM to 12:30 PM
(unless noted otherwise)

LOCATION:(unless noted otherwise)
Montford Point Marine Association
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago

The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will meet Saturday, January 19th, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association at 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

December was to have been the meeting at which we held nominations to the CVO Board of Directors (the Executive Committee). Elections will be held at the January meeting according to our Bylaws.

See you there.

Bruce Parry
CVO Chair

The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will meet this Saturday, February 16th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

We’ll be celebrating African American History Month by hearing from two Original Montford Pointers—Mr. James Reynolds and Mr. Stanley Porter—speaking on their history as original African American Marines when the services were still segregated. Be sure to come and hear their impressive stories. Both are recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal for their contributions to the Marine Corps and desegregation.

We will also discuss the upcoming fundraiser in April.

As always, coffee and donuts will be served!

See you there.

The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will meet this Saturday, March 16th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.

A key point on the agenda will be the April fundraiser.

Coffee and Donuts will be served!

See you there.

We hope to see everyone at the Memorial Day Parade
on Saturday, May 25th. We are Number 91.

Meet up at 11 AM on Wacker Drive between Clark and LaSalle. Again, we are No. 91. Look for us, our signs and our vehicles there. View Map

Everyone is invited! Bring family and friends. You can walk or ride. The Parade is lots of fun and should be over by 2:30 PM or so.

Come out and have fun!!!

The next meeting of the Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the
Montford Point Marine Association
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago

We’ll have the agenda out early next week.

Coffee and donuts will be served!

See you there.