Lowell’s Labor Day Parade: A Tribute to Veterans and Union Workers

Bob Leonhardt views Lowell’s Labor Day Parade as a family event. Most of his sons joined him, participating in various capacities. His late son, Brian Leonhardt, was absent. Brian died on January 6, 2016, while serving in Afghanistan. He was part of the Army National Guard’s 713th Engineer Company from Valparaiso. Bob stated, “I come here every year.” On the parade day, two sons rode motorcycles with the Patriot Guard, another son drove a union float truck, and a fourth was by Bob’s side.

Leonhardt emphasized his family’s involvement in the parade, remarking how Americans sometimes forget the freedom they enjoy was hard-fought. He attempted to enlist in the Air Force after high school but was rejected due to a knee injury. Instead, he became a firefighter in Merrillville. He recalls how Vietnam veterans were poorly welcomed home. Thus, he makes a conscious effort to thank Vietnam veterans and welcome them home when he sees them. A Florida veteran once told him, “You know, you’re the first person who ever said that to me.”

Paul Rosenwinkel, president of Indiana Fallen Heroes and a senior ride captain of the Indiana Patriot Guard, shared related stories. He’s Brian Leonhardt’s uncle. “When you lose a family member, your life changes,” he noted. His tribute to fallen troops began when there were 139 Hoosier placards; now, sadly, more than 400 names are displayed. Rosenwinkel narrowly missed being deployed to Vietnam by two days, a moment his mother celebrated with champagne.

The parade featured a range of patriotic participants. John Wilkerson, donning an Uncle Sam costume, served as a Vietnam paratrooper. “I dress up every year for this,” he shared. He also played the Grinch in a past parade. The American Legion established this annual event, now 107 years old and the longest-running Labor Day parade in Indiana. This year, its two-mile route drew crowds.

Dorothy “Dotty” Gwyn Maas has joined the parade for 58 years. Usually walking, this year she rode comfortably, thanks to her friend Sandy Linden. Gwyn Maas has served in many community roles, including as a police radio operator and a real estate agent, after her Air Force husband retired.

U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, Levi Evans and Ashton Maul, participated for their fourth year. “You get to see everyone cheering,” Evans, a Morgan Township High sophomore, noted. He described the learning opportunities with the sea cadets as expansive. Maul, a junior at North Judson High, finds joy in being part of a massive parade.

The parade had 116 official entrants. Among them was August Chesner, a Lowell High senior, marching with a 20-pound tuba. “It’s heavy,” he admitted, but he was prepared. The event attracted diverse unions, with ironworker Andy Thomas highlighting the broad representation of trades. Thomas leads Local 395’s apprenticeship program, which features 80 apprentices this year. He said, “It’s a good outlook for the next five to ten years.”

Chuck Curry, Local 395 President, emphasized the importance of recognizing labor efforts. Organized labor remains essential, Curry stated, as many struggle to make ends meet. Zack McWilliams, from Operating Engineers Local 150, discussed the union’s benefits, including pensions and health insurance. This support extends to car loans, through a company that finds favorable rates, as Griffin Tully of Local 150 noted.

Plumber Mark Modrzejewski, from Local 210, expressed pride in union support and the day’s celebration. Since starting his career in 2017, he has enjoyed providing valuable skills to family and friends. “It’s a nice day to represent our craft and get our families involved.” The parade’s atmosphere was filled with joy as candy was tossed from the floats, marking the annual event.