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Parade to salute hero Danny Golden
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By Tim Hadac
A man hailed as a hero for his bravery and sacrifice last year will be saluted at the 2023 Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day parade, set for Saturday, March 11.
Chicago Police Officer Danny Golden, 32, a third-generation member of the force and an Army veteran, was shot last July when he, while off duty, attempted to be a peacemaker and break up a fight on a street. A bullet fired from the gun of one of the combatants severed his spinal cord and left him with a lifetime of medical bills and a host of other needs.
“We’re pleased and proud to have Danny Golden as the parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal this year,” said parade organizer Ed Maher. “He’s truly a hero, and his sacrifice should be remembered and honored by everyone.”
Revenue from parade sponsorships will be donated to the Daniel Golden Care Foundation, Maher added.
Staging for community groups marching/riding in the parade will be along Oak Park Avenue, just north of Archer. Staging for the various heavy-equipment vehicles in the parade will be along Archer, just west of Oak Park.
Step-off is set for noon at Archer and Oak Park, with parade units heading east up Archer to Narragansett, where the parade will turn south and disband at the west parking lot of Kennedy High School.
There is no parade after-party, Maher said, adding that event organizers urge everyone to instead patronize local restaurants and pubs that could use a surge in business.
It is anticipated that local schools, churches, Scout troops, youth athletic associations and others will have units in the parade. Units will have to register in advance with parade organizers. For details, contact Ed Maher at Archerparade@gmail.com. Those hoping to be in the parade must register as soon as possible.
The parade’s host is the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, led by its president-business manager, James M. Sweeney.
Serving as a parade co-host again is the Clear-Ridge Men’s Social Athletic Club (SAC).
“This is a wonderful, family-focused event that has a lot of neighborhood charm,” said SAC member Al Cacciottolo. “Aside from being a lot of fun, it’s a real showcase for our community organizations to put their best foot forward and let people know who they are. It’s one of those events that help build a stronger and better neighborhood.
“On top of that, Garfield Ridge and Clearing are working neighborhoods, union neighborhoods,” he continued. “So we’re grateful to Jim Sweeney and Local 150 for their leadership with this awesome neighborhood event.”
The parade on Archer is set to occur the same day as the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a day before the annual South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhood on the Far Southwest Side.