Chairman of the Board of Directors, U.S. Veterans Legacy Project
Operation Desert Storm in 1990–1991 was a special time for Vietnam Veterans as we watched American forces drive the forces of Sadaam Hussein from Kuwait. At a rally on February 7, 1991 in front of the Delaware County Courthouse Mayor Bob suggested that Vietnam Veterans host a “Welcome Home” parade when the troops return.
The first parade was on May 4 from the Courthouse to Rose Tree Park where they organized the first public “Flag Passing Ceremony” where Vietnam Veterans welcomed home Persian Gulf veterans by presenting each with an American flag and a POW/MIA flag.
The second parade was July 4, 1991 from the Art Museum to Chestnut Street to in front of Independence Hall where hundreds of veterans of the Vietnam War passed flags to Persian Gulf veterans. Over 300,000 attended the parade which was televised live on 6ABC.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades:
In 1991 Mayor Bob started hosting the parades and was privileged to work for 20 years with Harry Kalas and Bob Dimond and the many veterans and supporters that have made the parades a success.
As Mayor, Bob learned early on the importance of developing relationships with Federal officials, State officials and Delaware County Council from both parties to advance the interests of Media Borough. Mayor Bob was privileged to work with officials Governor Ridge, Governor Schweiker and Governor Rendell to advance the interests of Media Borough and the veterans in the Media community.
During his tenure on Borough Council and as Mayor, Media Borough Council has worked as a team to advance the Borough.