Troops Welcomed Home in St. Louis but Not at Bank of America
by Mark PolegeWhat started as a conversation on Facebook between two St.Louisans, Craig Schneider and Tom Appelbaum, sparked into the first “Welcome Home” Parade for U.S. troops after leaving operations in Iraq. Veterans and those supporting them traveled from all over the country to show their thanks and welcome them home.
Over 100 entries were involved in the parade including marching bands, motorcycle groups, and military units. In addition, some 600 veterans, many in military uniforms and fatigues, marched down Market Street waving and giving salutes and thumbs-up to the crowd.
Organizers estimated the turnout reached 100,000. It was truly an honor and a privilege to be able to attend this parade and help welcome home and honor our brave soldiers. More photographs from the parade can be seen here.
When parades happen in downtown St.Louis, it is customary that many businesses along the parade route allow spectators to use their front steps in order to gain a better view of the parade. This access is incredibly helpful to those who are elderly or suffer from disabilities. A good example of this is the Peabody Opera House at 1400 Market Street as pictured in the background below:
The parade route stretched from 4th St. & Market St. down along Market St. to Union Station.
Click to Enlarge
Absolutely all of the businesses along Market Street allowed such access during Saturday’s parade welcoming home our U.S. military, well, all except the Bank of America Plaza. Bank of America was so adamant about denying access to their precious “patio”, as one security guard described it as he repeatedly told me to leave, that they made sure these large barricades were in place before many arrived.
This additional elevated vantage point would have been greatly appreciated by spectators to last Saturday’s parade wanting to show their support for our troops whether they were elderly, disabled, veterans or not.
For a bank that is already suffering from the image of being “against our troops” by their recent illegal foreclosure tactics against our U.S. servicemen, last Saturday was a real missed opportunity. As ABC News reported on Nov. 11th, 2011:
At least 160 active members of the U.S. military had their homes “illegally foreclosed upon” by the Bank of America, according to the Justice Department.
One thing the execs at Bank of America could have done was spend a few dollars and help area veterans, who could not easily make it to this event, and position them on their patio so they could enjoy the parade and show their support as well. I guess the brain trust at BofA missed that one.
Oh, but that would cost more than just requesting barricades to keep out those wanting to welcome home our brave servicemen and servicewomen. I suppose when you have presidents bail-out your bank to the tune of $45 Million, you don’t have to worry about PR or doing the ‘right thing’ like other businesses. No fear of failure here.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Got a Tip?
61 Comments
Besides withholding our business from them can we request that they remove the word 'America' from their brand?
can anyone blame them?
After all, aren't they saving that space for 'Occupy' protestors to tell them that they are a bunch of thieving liars?
SEIU has a big presence down there. Maybe they have 'dibs' on the patio…
Thank you, St. Louis….and Thank God, America still has a Heartland to embrace our honored troops….
..While NYC is disgraced by Bloomberg's refusal to allow Broadway's "Canyon of Heroes" to do likewise…..
Wow.
That about sums that up.
If one understands the total history of Bank of America, they are true to their San Francisco roots. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_America
In many businesses the CEO will come from the sales or marketing depts. It is because they understand how to deal with their customers and the public at large.
In banking it is obviously not the case.
Indeed, Brian Moynihan is no John Hancock.
Bank of America just sucks. period… had an account there like 10 years ago. There have been maybe 5 different times where i've heard something about them and wish i could cancel my account again.
I wish they'd have one of those parades in Seattle, but the troops would probably get pelted with fruit.
I closed my account and stopped doing all business with Bank of America in 2007.
Remember this golden oldie from 2009 CL?
http://www.businesspundit.com/bank-of-america-fla...
The bigger picture, at least there has finally been one welcome home parade. I wish there were ten thousand parades. The rise in PTSD might just be roué Ed if America would at least say a proper THANK YOU. After these men and women sacrificed everything. Obama is running his reelection on his support of the troops yet where are the parades!? Morally bankrupt lefty progressive az wipes tick me off. Hey America, wake up, demoncrats piss on your leg and tell you it's raining.
I hate Bank of America. If my mortgage wasn't underwater, I'd leave them in a heartbeat — and I didn't get my mortgage with them, they bought my bank.
I will close my account as soon as I can.
Yep.
I certainly do.
I detest Bank of America.
They swallowed up many of the banks that went down the tubes as a result of the first oil and real estate crash and the S & L debacle of the mid 1980s. Their biggest coup, was when they bought NCNB (Nations Bank) No Cash (for) No Body and moved to Charlotte.
It's insulting to see them using the Stars and Stripes for a logo too.
pelted 'by' fruits.
you're welcome.
BofA was just saving it's customers money by not letting the people use their building. If you believe that then keep your money in their bank, otherwise you know what to do. We must vote with our dollars, since that is the only message these people will listen to. Vote with your dollars not your voice. Sadly it's seems that is the only way to win anything anymore. Just look at the republican race. The results playing out are all based on who has the most money.
MONEY is the root of ALL EVIL! Translation – Be most afraid of those with the most money! Obama has $1,000,000,000,000 to spend on the election. Why does he need this, especially since the Tax Payers are picking up the tab? He will walk with the extra money is why. Many Politicians retire with LARGE wealth, based on what they keep from their re-election funds. It's ALL about GREED, and the money!
According to a BofA spokeswoman, the bank was under the impression it was
an "occupy" rally…
Way to pay attention BofA..
Mitt Romney is a Bank of America backer.
And, Bank of America backs Mitt Romney
Top Contributors – Bank of America $126,500
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/contrib.php?id=...
Maybe they were worried that the crowds welcoming the troops, arguably Tea Party or Tea Party leaning folks, might act just like the Occupy crowd and deface or damage bank property?
Yeah. Right.
If B of A backs Romney, I'm done with Romney. I have to stay at B of A right now. But one thing for sure, I'll make sure not another friend or family member of mine ever goes there to open an account. Bank of America, my butt… more like Bank of Asshats!
It's probably another f***king "security" issue.
Correction, its 45 BILLION to BOA, not "45 million".
More evidence the million, trillion, billiion lexicon loses many Americans.
BOA bought Countrywide. It's CEO, alone, paid 67 MILLION, in fines for selling his stock while saying nothing was wrong. Point is, its a whole lot more than "45 million", and I think Angelo Mozillo is still living large. No jail time, for this fraudster.
I hope these troops see more parades. Lots of 'um.
One month ago I divested my assets from their grip and moved it to a local Savings and Loan. They dumped $75 trillion in Derivatives on US Taxpayer with federal approval into FDIC insured accounts. This was reported in Bloomberg last December. Personally, I don't trust this situation, so I pulled out….. and now this.
The StL parade was not affiliated with the Tea Party in any way, shape, or form, and was attended by several progressive groups. OccupyStL also never engaged in any vandalism to the downtown Bank of America building.
I cancelled my BoA accounts after the Banco of Amigo fiasco in California several years ago. When they allowed illegals to have accounts and loans without a social security number and legal status I said Adios to them. This should be spread across the internet so that every true patriotic American drop their accounts with BoA.
I would like to know the names of the execs and board members who are pushing this. Nuts. Glad I no longer do business with these cretins.
Nice try, Helen.
I didn't say the parade was affiliated with the Tea Party at all and I'll guess the "several progressive groups" weren't there to cheer the armed forces.
And, "OccupyStL also never engaged in any vandalism to the downtown Bank of America building."
Yet, Helen. Yet.
Considering how Obama and his marxist friends are running this country, it won't be long before it costs $45 billion dollars just to fill up a full tank of gas…
I left B of A in the late 90's and never returned. To the present…they foreclosed on 160 homes of veterans, accepted a bailout and Obama will make his second acceptance speech at the "Bank of America Stadium" in Charlotte, NC.
Anyone see the "optical problems here?"
But in the early history of B of A, A. P. Giannini, the founder, put a lot of faith n Vets. That was then, this is now. Let's send B of A into the soup line.
The biggest national media promotion this parade got was one of the organizers appearing for an extended segment on Rachel Maddow last week, so I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that progressive groups would come out against troops at the parade.
Don't forget that California was also issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, and have practically treated them far better than California treats any of the legal residents residing in that god awful state…
What I don't understand is why people continue to do business with these groups? If you have a checking, savings, money market, annuity, CD, credit card, etc. etc. etc. Cancel the da mn thing and move your money to a local credit union or bank.
Now that is worth a capital LOL, Helen!
It's good that Ralph Maddow had an organizer on his show but, to think that was the "biggest national promotion", considering his and PMSNBC's ratings, is to laugh!
I would guess the promotion on Gateway Pundit and Ace of Spades HQ reached a heck of a lot more people than Ralph did!
This is good too, "I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that progressive groups would come out against troops at the parade"! You can't be serious with that statement! Where could I possibly get an idea like that?
Well I didn't hear about any Klan chapters showing up, so I would guess Gateway Pundit didn't have much of an audience responding to this.
bank of america one of the six mega banks that owns our debt, our military, our government, our people.
how much bail out monies did they get…..?
Aside from the BS Bank of America, that was awesome! Well done St Louis!
Ouch! You caught us, Helen. How did you know Gateway was the go-to place for us Klanners?
Youse guys is just too durn smart fer us ta' fool.
I have never frequented BofA and for good reason, they suck!
I'm not underwater but in the same situation as you – they bought my mortgage. If it wasn't such a hassle and expense to refinance I would leave them in a heartbeat.
Well…America…I guess you know what to do now…with a bank that holds your money…but does not support what you support!
There are plenty of banks to put your money in…what are you waiting for?
GOD BLESS AMERICA…THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE…AND MILLIONS OF JUDEO/CHRISTIANS PRAYING TO KEEP HER THAT WAY!
Thank you to all the men/women who have served and are serving to not only keep us free…but all freedom loving peoples everywhere!
WELCOME HOME!
GP's reactionary views on race are well-known around StL political circles, particularly his links to groups like the Council of Conservative Citizens and the website DiversityisCrap. Reading his comments is also indicative of the 'enlightened' views his readers hold.
LOL
yeah right like we believe that.
Whatever, Helen. Now you are just sounding whiney.
I thought all conservative views were "reactionary" to you.
It appears that way from your comment stream.
Speaking of which, had a peek at mine, did you? Should I be on the alert for OWS members on my lawn?
I'll know them by their mis-spelled signs, I guess.
They didn't need all those barricades………………..no one wanted to stand in front of that fukn place anyhow.
Are you fighting a foreclosure? If so, then OccupySTL could probably get some people together for you if you're interested.
Also, I point out that one of the most popular conservative bloggers openly associates with racist groups & makes racially insensitive posts himself*, and your response is to accuse me of whining? Wow.
* (Citation )
Fighting foreclosure? Why would I do that unless it was some sort of mistake? If I couldn't pay my mortgage I certainly wouldn't hold the bank responsible and illegally take over their property by Occupying it!
If I screw up and can't pay my mortgage, that's my fault, not theirs. Nothing lasts forever, including jobs.
Do I sympathize with those that lose their houses? Of course I do! Is it a sad state of affairs? Yes, it's heart wrenching to lose what I worked so hard for! But, blaming someone else instead of getting my butt in gear and working to fix the problem by my own devices, without waiting for a government handout is my way of tackling the situation!
There are a heck of a lot of people all over the world that have it a lot harder than even the poorest of the poor in America. I keep that in mind whenever I feel sorry for myself (not that that happens very much!) or for my neighbors.
The idea of making someone else pay for my circumstances, except in very limited situations, is alien to me.
Your response to screwing up is to Occupy your house, obviously. Good luck with that!
Why don't they just be honest and rename themselves the Bank of Marxism? Their disrespect of the US Military is a hallmark of leftwingwackoism.
Would you believe an SIEU rally ?
How 'bout a may day rally in january..
Wow … tough crowd..
Nope, doesn't do it for me, Helen.
Particularly the Marie Antoinette bull crap.
You're gonna' have to work much harder than that to overcome the overt racism and antisemitism shown by the OWS clowns.
How about this http://weaselzippers.us/2012/01/30/occupy-leader-... just today?
The banks are often not in possession of the correct documentation to begin foreclosure, yet they do it anyway, and scoff at residents who demand proof before they are evicted.
Similarly, for people who were gainfully employed before the 2008 crash, only to lose their job due to the lawless financial situation, you don't see an unfairness/injustice in these banks (many of whom took PUBLIC bailout funds to save themselves) putting the boot to the faultless victims of their own practices?
That's contrary to what I saw at my local Occupy events, where many minorities were represented at all levels. I can't speak for any similar organizations/protests around the country. Surely you don't believe the Tea Party is more racially heterogeneous though? The comments on the site you linked are fairly overtly racist, too.
As for Hoft, what about the Council of Conservative Citizens ties? Linking to 'DiversityisCrap' videos?
I'm irritated the BOA holds my mortgage.
What the heck does the bank having the right documentation have to do with it, Helen? You do or you don't have proof you have paid your mortgage. If you have, no one can foreclose on you. If you don't, that means you haven't been paying, period.
This "bad documentation" thing to stay in homes that folks have not been paying the mortgage for is a red herring as far as I'm concerned. If you haven't been paying for a certain length of time the house ain't yours anymore. What's it to you which bank takes it over? They can fight among themselves later for all I care.
As to the bailout of banks that's a whole 'nother subject and a practice I didn't agree with in the first place.
Banks should have accepted the responsibility for their own situation just as mortgage holders.
If they went under, too freaking bad. The pain would have been over by now instead of this drip, drip into oblivion!
"Surely you don't believe the Tea Party is more racially heterogeneous though?" You really don't have a clue, do you?
You really expect this when the black population of the US is about 11% and those that would rather die than not vote for Zero (okay an exaggeration but, not much) makes up 80% of that number? You think there will really be a lot of black folk at TP events? C'mon!
What's more surprising (well, for you, I'm not surprised at all!) is the small number of black folk we see in film and photos of OWS, not to mention the racism described in that link I gave you.
Blacks have been snookered by the Dims, party of the KKK. I have no doubt they, as a group, will come to their senses soon! The tide is turning. Just like the Gorebull warming scam is coming apart, so too will the progressive movement!
Seattle is a sh it hole, you would have better luck in Tacoma.
The actual quote is the LOVE of MONEY is the ROOT of ALL EVIL.
I detest B of A. This is the same bank that refused to allow flags in front of their buiding during a small town funeral of a solider that died in Iraq. F^%! them!
I can come up with lots of reasons to be ill with BOA but this isn't one of them. The OWS crowd has an established history of using events like these for staging attacks against banks and business's.
From the photos it appears that the plaza "patio" doesn't even face the street. A useless vantage point. Again, I'm judging by the photos.
It's a big fuss over nothing
You must be logged in to post a comment.