CHICAGO: The Pakistani American community celebrated their 68th Independence Day in Chicago on Sunday August 16 at Devon Ave with a near day-long celebration.
The colorful Pak I-Day parade was taken out from the East side of Western and Devon Ave. Illinois Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, 50th ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, Senator Ira Silverstein, Clerk of Cook County Dorothy Brown and Pakistan Consul General Faisal Niaz Tirmizi were among the Grand Marshals for the parade. They were accompanied by prominent Pakistani community leaders and Pakistan United Parade Committee members and were led by Chairman Jameel Khan.
The crowd on both sides of the street waved Pakistani and American flags and chanted slogans as the Parade moved on till it reached the corner of Devon and Western. The reception committee host Bushra Khan welcomed the Parade Marshals and other dignitaries to the stage. Noor, a young Pakistani American, sang Star Spangled in a mesmerizing melodious voice, followed by Pakistani national anthem.
As brief speeches were made, colorful and well decorated floats from local businesses passed on and were introduced from the stage. The festive look of Pak I-Day parade was enhanced with enthusiastic youth dancing and chanting patriotic slogans.
After the parade ended, the Pak community headed to the Warren Park on Western Ave. A food festival, entertainment program and Mela was arranged for the remaining half of the day. Many Pakistani American families visiting from far suburbs enjoyed the food and entertainment at the Mela. Pak TV celebrities Jawad Ahmed, Kashif Khan and Farah Anwer presented a musical entertainment program. Members of PUPC were present at the Mela and greeted many visiting families.
While Pakistan Independence Day celebrations were also held in other suburb areas, the Pak I-Day Parade was taken out only at Devon Ave and symbolized the unity of Pak community in Chicago.
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service
