Military Group Asks Base Supporters to Display Signs at St. Patrick's Day Parade

A local military group is urging residents to the Moon-based 911th Airlift Wing and 171st Refueling Wing at Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade in Pittsburgh. 

The Military Affairs Coalition of Western Pennsylvania is asking residents to bring printed signs to the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at the Greyhound Station Downtown and proceeds down Grant Street. Vice President Joe Biden is slated to attend the parade as a part of President Obama's re-election campaign. 

The Air Force announced earlier this month that it will move forward with plans to the 911th and downsize of the 171st as a part of an effort to cut federal defense spending. 

Officials said more than 1,100 military and 280 civilian jobs would be eliminated in the 911th's closure.  

Lawmakers have the decision on the closure to President Obama, asking him to intervene and block the plan. 

Click the gallery above to view the signs and click here to visit the coalition's website.