ST. LOUIS (AP)—Looking around at the tens of thousands of people waving American flags and cheering, Army Maj. Rich Radford was moved that so many braved a cold January wind Saturday in St. Louis to honor people like him: Iraq War veterans.

The parade, borne out of a simple conversation between two St. Louis friends a month ago, was the nation’s first big welcome-home for veterans of the war since the last troops were withdrawn from Iraq in December.

PROUD VET—Gayla Gibson, a 38-year-old Air Force master sergeant, waits in a staging area before the start of a parade to honor Iraq War veterans Jan. 28, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

“It’s not necessarily overdue, it’s just the right thing,” said Radford, a 23-year Army veteran who walked in the parade alongside his 8-year-old daughter, Aimee, and 12-year-old son, Warren.

ATLANTA (AP)—The owner of a small Jewish publication in Atlanta is resigning over a column he wrote suggesting Israel might consider a hit on President Barack Obama.

Interim editor John McCurdy said Monday that Andrew Adler is relinquishing his day-to-day duties at The Atlanta Jewish Times.

Adler wrote Jan. 13 that Obama’s assassination could be one of Israel’s options in preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons. He was roundly condemned by national and local Jewish groups after larger media outlets reported on his column.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Don Cornelius, who with the creation of "Soul Train" helped break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and cutting edge style, died early Wednesday of an apparent suicide. He was 75.

DON CORNELIUS

by Angela Delli Santi

TRENTON, N.J. (AP)—Two of New Jersey’s most influential Black leaders blasted Gov. Chris Christie, Jan. 25, for proposing gay marriage be put to a popular vote in November, but the Republican governor insisted he’s offering a reasonable compromise amid his personal opposition to same-sex nuptials.

UNDER FIRE—New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers a question in Trenton, N.J., Jan. 25, about his statement that he will veto a bill being considered by the legislature to legalize gay marriage. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Newark Mayor Cory Booker said in separate forums that civil rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and don’t belong on the ballot.