Hundreds come out to celebrate Rockford’s Labor Day Parade

Rockford, Ill (WTVO) — For many, Labor Day is just a day off. But it is truly a day to recognize the backbone of the United States: it’s labor force. That is exactly what happened at Rockfords annual Labor Day parade.

Attendee John Patterson said, “The parade was wonderful. It’s just a good reminder about all the hard-working people, the backbone of America, that makes the county run through their hard work and dedication to their place of employment.”

This year’s parade theme was Organize! Mobilize! Fight! Highlighting the work that unions do with their efforts to protect organized labor, as well as showcasing the work that organized labor does in the community. More than 3 dozen different labor unions took part throughout the parade.

“I think it’s important to come down and just acknowledge the men and women that work hard day in and day out that keep the city of Rockford running, keep that infrastructure running,” explained Patterson. “It’s just so important to just come down and acknowledge all the hard-working people in the city of Rockford.”

Patterson was just one of the many attendees to the parade, along with Curtis Robertson.

“I’m all for the Labor Day parade because I was a union leader at one time,” Robertson said. “I think they do a lot of good for people working in them, keeping them recognized in the community and things they do. Just glad to be out and see it and participate in it.”