By Mark Roberts
 |
 Photo: Mark Roberts |
|
AFTRA Getting Ready . Click for larger image. |
PITTSBURGH (September 4, 2006) The day started out cloudy, perhaps as a reminder that this year's Labor Day parade would be dedicated to the memory of mayor Bob O'Connor.
As the parade reached the City-County Building, the marchers paused and turned to salute the late mayor whose coffin was lying in state in the great hall.
Many AFTRA Pittsburgh members, their spouses and children were among the thousands who marched in today's Labor Day Parade... the second-largest in the United States.
AFTRA Pittsburgh Executive Director John Haer, Office Manager Nancy Barron and Local Officers Mark Roberts and Barbara Boylan, led the AFTRAns as they moved down the traditional parade route from the Mellon Arena past the City-County Building on Grant street to the reviewing stand at the bottom of the Boulevard of the Allies. Vehicles from AFTRA-represented stations 3WS, KDKA, KQV, WDVE, ESPN 1250, K-ROCK, Star 100.7 and Y-108 were mixed in with our group.
Chris Lacey, Ass't Executive Director, Freelance, led the actors and voice talent.
Politicians and dignitaries marched near the front of the parade, including Gov. Ed Rendell and state Treasurer Bob Casey. They were joined by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato; state Treasurer Jack Wagner; U.S. Reps. Mike Doyle and Tim Murphy ; labor leaders Rich Trumka, Bill George and Jack Shea; and Bishop Paul Bradley.