The 21st Missouri is the 4th’s alter ego.
www.springfieldstpatsparade.org
The Good:
1. It was fun first time experience.
2. Happy to help out.
3. We got second place in our category
4. Pizza after the parade
The Bad:
1. Rain
2. Cold
3. Long march to end of parade
The Ugly:
1. Did I mention that it rained?
2. Did I mention that it was a cold wind in our face?
3. Very long walk back to cars after the parade
Soldiers in Attendance:
1. Captain Daniel Keith
2. 1st Sergeant Laurence Bryan
3. 2nd Corporal Ryan Truster
4. Private Robert Martineau
5. Private Clayton Kelly
6. Sgt David Jepson 10th Missouri
Civilians in attendance:
1. Katy Clayton
2. Jamie Stepaniak (Only one to dress out)
3. Rachel Vaughn
A note from Lieutenant Devin Wielar:
Daniel,
Thank you very much for the pictures and again thanks for falling in with us, I cannot fully express how much that means to me and the men of the 23rd.
And I think I can speak for all of the 23rd Illinois, and even the ones who were not present on Saturday and wish you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day, and we whole heartedly look forward to working with you in the future, especially at Hulston Mills.
Your Most Obedient Servant,
1LT Devin Wielar
23rd Illinois Volunteers
PS: We have a new e-mail address especially for the 23rd Illinois at Irish_23rd_Illinois@yahoo.com, if you have any event info or restoration emails, etc, please direct them there, I am still reachable at this address though.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the rain fall soft upon your field,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.
May all the Love and Protection
St. Patrick can give
Be yours in abundance
As long as you live.
AAR
Dear Lieutenant Devin Wielar,
Thank you for allowing us to fall in with the fine men of the 23rd Illinois. It was a grand time indeed.
We arrived around noon on the 13th March of this year. It was very cold and rainy. We assembled at the corner of Commercial and North Benton as per your instructions. We were given a fine spot in the line of the parade. Upon your arrival we grouped and formed in accordance to your command to present ourselves as larger than what we actually were. It was a long march with you being in lead giving the men rest using the manual of arms to its fullest extent.
We were met with much merriment along the route and enjoyed the encouragement of the citizenry of Springfield, Missouri.
We appreciate you and your men’s acceptance to your ranks.
Your obedient servant
Acting private
Daniel Keith
Captain 21st Missouri, USA
