May 27, 2012 – It was no secret that this year’s Memorial Day Parade was led by David Petraeus, the current director of the CIA and formerly a top U.S. military commander in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before the parade, Patraeus, along with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at nearby Daley Plaza. These images were captured at Wacker Drive and Dearborn Street. The parade traditionally uses Wacker Drive as a staging area. Groups line up, then turn south on State Street.

(Above) A large American flag carried by members of VFW 5079 passes Marina City on Saturday during Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

(Above) Along with Air Force ROTC cadets, members of VFW 5079 wait on Wacker Drive for the parade to begin.	(Above) A wedding party makes the best of a delay, posing in front of a vintage police car.

A large American flag passes Marina City.

ROTC cadets march east on Wacker Drive.

And a Chicago Police SWAT vehicle drives by.