October 10, 1977 – Thousands of Chicagoans stand
in the sunshine along a ten-block parade route as Vice-President Walter Mondale
marches down State Street with Mayor Michael Bilandic and other officials in
the city’s annual Columbus Day parade. Clearly,
the Vice-President has an eye toward moving one office higher as “Three times
during the parade he distressed his Secret Service contingent by plunging into
crowds to shake hands, trade pleasantries, and pat children on the head.” [Chicago
Tribune, October 11, 1977] Before
the parade Mondale attended a mass celebrated by John Cardinal Cody in Our Lady
of Pompeii at 1224 West Lexington Avenue.
After a reception at the church, Mondale and other officials walk two
blocks west on Lexington to place a wreath at the statue of Christopher
Columbus. Most importantly, Mondale
announces on his arrival in the city that a bill signed earlier in the week by
President Jimmy Carter will increase federal money for community development in
the city from $69 million to $134 million.
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