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Chicago pride parade pays tribute to Orlando victims

Ashlee Rezin
/
AP Photo

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago's 47th pride parade has taken place with the same enthusiasm of previous years despite tributes everywhere to victims of the Orlando nightclub attack two weeks. 
Nearly 1 million spectators were expected at Sunday's event and many marchers found ways to remember the 49 who died. 

 
Two carried a banner saying, "Chicago-Orlando, In Solidarity." Others sported T-shirts with the hashtag, "#WeAreOrlando." Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wore a shirt that read, "Disarm Hate." 
 
Forty-nine marchers led the parade holding a photograph of a different victim. 
 

The procession began with a minute's silence. But the solemnity quickly gave way to cheers and high-energy music blaring from speakers along the route. 

 
Joe Conklin rode on one float. The 74-year-old said participants were mindful of the Orlando tragedy "but not overwhelmed by it."

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